Navigating the Heart (2000)

Based on the autobiographical novel by Edith Iglauer, Navigating the Heart is a made-for-TV romance notable only for how its main characters are such gigantic tools. I mean, this is the rudest, most prickly and dismissive couple I've ever seen fall in love. They insult each other and everyone else and display so little patience or empathy for those around them that you're waiting for them to have a knife fight, not fall into each others arms. Weirdly, though, you'll wind up feeling more for these difficult jerks than they or their story necessarily deserves. Perhaps that's merely due to the charms of Jaclyn Smith and Tim Matheson mixed with the unabashed earnestness of Tantoo Cardinal. Whatever the mysterious alchemy, I enjoyed this movie a lot more than I expected.Edith Iglauer (Jaclyn Smith) is a New York City journalist working for Manhattan magazine and, to be honest, she's kind of a bitch. Not mean, but completely full of herself and with little regard for the people around her. When her magazine gets sold and the new managing editor (David Andrews) takes Edith away from her political beat and sends her to British Columbia to do a story on the price of salmon, she complies in the most minimalist way she can for an assignment Edith clearly thinks is beneath her. Upon arriving, Edith is belittling to an Indian/Eskimo/Native Canadian/whatever they're called up North (Tantoo Cardinal), who nevertheless takes pity on the white woman and helps her out. She directs Edith to John Daley (Tim Matheson), an ill tempered bastard of a fisherman, in the hopes Edith will decide to do a story on the impending dam project that will destroy the salmon run and their way of life.Well, Edith and John spend time with each other and bicker so intensely that it seems like this film will turn into a murder-suicide instead of a love affair. A near death experience on the open water transforms their sizzling, mutual contempt into love and, when her dickish editor demands Edith returns to New York, she must choose between John and the only life she ever thought she wanted.Navigating the Heart is a by-the-numbers production, from the charming locals who enlighten the urbanite to the values of rural life to the "they hate each other so much it must be love" relationship between John and Edith to the sassy best friend Edith has in New York. But at only about 90 minutes and structured for TV to have some sort of an important moment every quarter hour or so to keep people tuned in over the commercial break, it all moves briskly enough to prevent the banality from sinking in. That's a backhanded compliment, but not every movie has to try and reinvent the damn wheel. There's nothing wrong with following time tested formulas to produce a competent motion picture, if you do it correctly. These may be familiar notes, besides the amusingly excessive animosity between the soon-to-be lovers, but they're played well enough to make the song worth listening to.You won't find anything surprising here, though I was surprised to find out what happened to the real John Daly, but as it can be fun to hear and old song sung by a different voice, it's a pleasure seeing Smith and Matheson effortlessly play out these well worn roles to their satisfying conclusion. While obviously not for anyone who detests the genre, romance fans will get what they want out of Navigating the Heart.

Plot is derivative of Crocodile Dundee... sophisticate encounters outdoorsman, culture clash, outdoorsman comes to the city and proves his mettle, both return to the wild and live happily and environmentally ever after. Jaclyn Smith has never looked better... her makeup was flawless, even during the storm and capsize. It took me awhile to recall that I knew Tim Matheson from Animal House, "Otter" the player who beds the Dean's wife. This character is a pleasant diversion for him, and he did well. Also, plot segments are reminiscent of "The Perfect Storm" (experienced sea-goer getting caught out in it) and "African Queen" (with apologies to Bogart and Hepburn... 2 opposites joining forces to battle antagonists). I give it 3 of 10.

It takes a romance-loving person to enjoy this movie to the fullest. There are areas of the movie that could have been improved upon as far as the acting/directing categories go. I always try to see beyond the mistakes of everyday human errors and get to the point of the story. Personally, I enjoyed this movie and taped it when it came on television recently. I've enjoyed Tim Mathiason and Jaclyn Smith for as long as I can remember and to have them together in a movie made it that much more enjoyable. To have someone argue and fight as these two did right from the start made it challenging to say the least. But when each finally got their personalities out of the way, they realized they could enjoy each other for what they truly are. Hardworking, intelligent, peace-loving people with principals and an extreme desire to find truth and companionship. Some may say that this movie was a total waste of time and money, let alone the waste of what was an excellent script, but sometimes you have to look beyond the poor directing to see the wonderful love and joy these two people finally brought to each other. I loved the comraderie the local townspeople had for each other and the "spirit" that this story was intended to have. The scenery was incredible and I loved the environmental concerns. If anyone has a chance to see this movie, look beyond the surface and take a glance at what really happened. Personally, I give it a thumbs up...no swearing, violence and it really did have a great story to it.

Sure it's predictable...the sunrise is predictable but don't you just love to bathe in its warmth. This is a terrific performance with exquisite acting reserve. Both lead characters are real to perfection played by Tim Matheson and Ms. Smith.The co stars do a marvelous job as well. Just sit back and enjoy it. If you've been divorced or lost a love one and tried to start again you can see reality protrayed with honesty so real you can feel it deep down. A quality film.