Was rather mixed on the overall standard of the 2019 Hallmark Spring Fever films. While really liking 'Love to the Rescue' (which was one of the best Hallmark films that year in my view), 'A Brush with Love' did nothing for me. The others ranged from average to pretty decent. While the premise is pretty typical, it can be very appealing when done well, and it was nice to not have Hallmark regulars in the lead roles once in a while.
'True Love Blooms' never really blooms properly unfortunately. It is not one of the worst 2019 Hallmark films (most of those being in the Countdown to Christmas block), but it is also not one of the best like 'Love to the Rescue'. As far as the Spring Fever films for the year goes, 'True Love Blooms' is around low middle, better than 'A Brush with Love' but on the same level as 'Flip that Romance' for relatively similar reasons (though that film is marginally better as the male lead is far superior).
It is not without its good things. The scenery and decor are absolutely beautiful. The flowers are truly pretty. The photography complements them very well indeed. The music at least fits and doesn't feel constant or too in your face. There are some very cute and light-hearted moments, some of the banter is fun.
Sara Rue is a very engaging lead, her charm effortless and her liveliness not affected. Most of the supporting cast do decently.
Jordan Bridges was a lot less appealing, actually didn't like him at all. He came over as too stiff, too dull and also very lacking in warmth, also found him too soft for his greedy businessman character early on. He and Rue have next to no chemistry together, too distant and indifferent and a not particularly good job is done developing the relationship, which was very undercooked and has practically nothing to it. Amy LoCierco is very annoying as a very cartoonish character, in a film where only Rue's character is likeable or worth engaging with.
Furthermore, the script is stilted and comes over as very cheesy, even when knowing what to expect. The story lacks energy (with the film taking a while to get going), has very little charm and heart, has a few too many unlikely situations and pretty much maps out exactly like one expects, especially in the contrived beyond belief final third. The prematurely obvious ending feels rushed and too pat.
Concluding, rather average but not without its strengths. 5/10.
