Picture Perfect is a TV movie that aired on ABC way back in 1995. Some people that starred in this film that I easily recognized was Richard Karn (from Home Improvement) and Lisa Jakub (from Mrs. Doubtfire and Independence Day). The cast is largely unknown to me and therefore I am not going to pretend that I know who they all are. I attempted to do some light research on this film (as I usually do before reviewing a film) and as I expected, came up with just about nothing. Though I can say this little 90s TV film has garnered praise from people who have viewed this film. Now while I was not around in 1995 when this film was broadcasted, I did watch this film as part of the Echo Bridge 8 Family Film Collection and it appears that this is the only good film in the collection.
The film follows two families who are neighbors and who don't care too much for each other. The Walters has mom Vicky and son Alan. Alan is not a huge fan of his mom's boyfriend and will do anything to split them apart. The Thomas family has father George (played by Richard Karn), older daughter JJ (played by Lisa Jakub) and youngest daughter Deila. George is an author who has not been getting the success he has been needing. Essentially, the Thomas' might have to sell the house. But, JJ Thomas and Alan Walter decide to sign up both of their families as one big family for a competition held by a soda company. The competition is basically which family is the perfect family. Of course, they both are considered as the top contender and the owner of the soda company gets to stay with them for one whole week to document what their lifes are like. Meaning, they have to keep up this whole act. Will they blow the cover? Will they win the competition? Will they start growing closer together?
This is a truly good film. It is a rather charming little TV film that warms me up inside. Yes, this is a TV film and it does not try to be anything else. The acting is rather good here. The acting feels geniune and the actors and actresses fit well into their roles. There are a few instances wear the acting dips but it is not too often where that happens. The characters here, like the actors, are fairly likeable here and have a warm charm to them and they also have chemistry with the other characters. Sure, there are certain cliches surrounding these characters, but none of these cliches are made annoying or even apparant during my first viewing. The set up for this film's story is a plausible one though it does venture into the realm of unplausible. Come on, people cannot be that clueless! A major complaint that I have is the whole FBI stuff in this film. All one needs to know is that the owner of the soda company is under suspicion of stealing a recipe for a new brand of soda and the FBI is involved. I find this all unnecessary as it could have been removed and the "big picture" would have been intact. Sure it adds to the hilarity and chaos that is in this film due to everyone trying to keep their stories straight in this film and what not, but there is already enough of that in this film. The comedy is not bad here and I do get a few laughs here and there but I don't think the comedy is the main focus. The big message is that there is no such thing as perfect. But more importantly, you have two different families who might not like each other a whole lot but no matter what would do anything for each other. It is quite nice actually. The ending is a happy albeit predictable.
Picture Perfect somewhat speaks for itself in many ways. It is a charming little film that made me feel good after watching it.
