Sweet Home Alabama

Starring: Reese Witherspoon, Patrick Dempsey, Josh Lucas, Candice Bergen, Fred Ward
Directed by: Andy Tennant
Rating: PG-13
Genre: Romantic Comedy
2002

Times Seen:
Tim: 2

Summary: New York fashion designer Melanie (Reese Witherspoon) seems to have the perfect life. Her new clothing line has received rave reviews, she is dating New York's most eligible bachelor, the Mayor's son, Andrew (Patrick Dempsey), and she has incredible friends. Everything gets turned upside down when Andrew proposes to her. Andrew's mother (Candice Bergen) is furious as Melanie travels to Alabama, where she grew up. Back in her hometown, she must confront her parents, and Jake (Josh Lucas)... her high school sweetheart, and the man that she is still married to. She tries to get him to sign the papers for the divorce, but being back home reminds her of who she used to be, and soon she is confused about which life is better.

Review:

Tim: Quite simply, you will not find a better romantic comedy than Sweet Home Alabama. It features all the ingredients needed to cause swarms of hopeless romantics flocking to the theatres to see it. The vast majority of those romantics will be pleasantly surprised.

The main issue to mention regarding this film is the magnificent performance of Reese Witherspoon. Recently, she has been called "America's Newest Sweetheart," and I readily agree. Here, she mixes beauty and charm with an somewhat hurting and flawed character, and the end result is irresistable. Sweet Home Alabama's success rests wholly on Witherspoon's shoulders, and she carries the burden with that amazing smile. She holds the film together, and makes it an enjoyable ride for all who see it. Her character is much more complex that you first realize, and Witherspoon does a tremendous job showing the many layers of the character she plays. Witherspoon gives the performance of a lifetime here.

This film is obviously not without its faults. Reality tends to take a back seat now and again to make room for the romantic tale. Perhaps my least favorite scene just so happens to be the most tear-jerking scene in the movie... it involves Reese crying at the gravestone of a DEAD HUNTING DOG! Come on, really. That unbelievable and silly scene aside, the film is excellent.

Reese Witherspoon is one of the most beautiful actresses in Hollywood, and I am confident her career will soar to new levels after the success of this film. I really, really enjoy this movie, and I am confident you will, too.

Rating 1-10
Tim's Rating: 8



If You Enjoyed This Movie, We Recommend:
Legally Blonde, Cruel Intentions, My Big Fat Greek Wedding, Sleepless in Seattle, Something to Talk About