“Sweet Home Alabama” is a charming and lovable film. It is no more and no less than a good way to spend a few dollars and forget the troubles of the day.
The film does not attempt to provoke deep thought, and it will not inspire its audience to new levels of creative expression. This is simply meant to be a fun movie, and it succeeds in this simple task.
What “Sweet Home Alabama” lacks in complex concepts, it more than makes up for with lovable, if unoriginal, characters.
Any frequent movie attendee has probably seen them in any number of Hollywood films. There is the small-town-troublemaker turned big-city snob, Melanie Carmichael (Reese Witherspoon, “Legally Blond”); the high-society fiancé and his difficult mother (Patrick Dempsey, “Scream 3” and Candice Bergen, TV’s “Murphy Brown,” respectively); and, of course, Melanie?s left-behind childhood flame, the lovable Jake (Josh Lucas, “A Beautiful Mind”).
Throw in a couple of oddball parents, a few local characters for flavor and a big, ugly dog, and you have yourself one good, down-home romantic comedy.
The story begins when New York City?s most eligible bachelor proposes to Melanie, whose life seems like a fairy tale. She has the perfect man, the perfect career, and the perfect big-city friends. But before Melanie can move on with her life, she must get rid of her imperfect past, including a husband that just won?t let go.
Melanie?s childhood sweetheart, Jake, refuses to sign their divorce papers, and she is forced to confront him in person to get what she wants. But, of course, once she has returned home all those old feelings and memories return, and she finds it is hard to say goodbye a second time.
Reese Witherspoon is perfect as Melanie Carmichael. She plays her role with intelligence, charm and her signature cuteness. No one in Hollywood today can compete with her wide eyes and bright smile.
What Witherspoon lacks in some instances is comedic timing. The script for “Sweet Home Alabama” is certainly not spectacular, and a few clever punch-lines are lost in her delivery. Nonetheless, Witherspoon is great in the role and probably the best thing about this film. If you fell for her in “Legally Blonde,” you will most certainly appreciate her newest character.
The male characters grow on you. As the film progresses, both male leads are revealed to be the kind of men any girl would want. Dempsey, as Melanie?s big-city beau, is probably the more recognizable of the two, most recently seen in “Scream 3.” Lucas (Jake) has a smaller, but devoted fan base and after “Sweet Home Alabama” his exposure will certainly grow.
The film?s biggest downfall is its predictability. There are a few twists and turns, but none that a half-witted audience couldn?t see coming a mile away.
In spite of stereotypical characters and predictable plot points, “Sweet Home Alabama” is an enjoyable film, sure to fulfill any craving for a feel-good romantic comedy.
