Review of Sweet Home Alabama (2002) by Sammi P — 15 Aug 2009

"You can take the girl out the country but you can't take the country out of the girl." That tired cliché like expression has never been more true for any other character as well developed as Melanie Smooter (Reese Witherspoon) She is a down home country girl who is used to a bucolic setting and a roots driven rustic background.

She in attempt to shed her southern upbringing moves in the urban jungle of a metropolis like setting of New York City. When she falls for the Mayor's son she must face her past to journey on into her future.

The question not being asked though, is her background really one she wants to escape or in fact embrace with vigor and vitality? This movie answers that question beyond a shadow of a doubt. I won't give away the ending for this love triangle is one to be embrace for yourself.

Reese Witherspoon is the marquee name in this 2002 comedy. Patrick Dempsey wasn't cast in Grey's Anatomy till three years later. Josh Lucas has a recognizable face has yet to really be a household name and graduated beyond second fiddle status. He does however have eight movies in preproduction however so that may change soon.

The movie works for what it is a simple "Leave your brains at the box office" romantic 'chick flick' comedy that can actually be enjoyed by men. (My uncle recommended it.) I must admit I enjoyed it too. The ending was pleasantly predictable and the screenplay gave plenty of foreshadowing to get you to that emotional finish.

The characters were well portrayed and appropriately written. They were as two or three-dimensional as they need to be to move the story along. The acting was equally as well portrayed. This movie was never written for the academy voters and nothing more than an uncomplicated flick. It was fun and enjoyable and a great way to start your morning (as I always do with movies) or a fulfilling way to spend and afternoon or early evening with that someone you love.