Sweet Home Alabama DVD > Reviews > Is home where the heart is?

Author's product rating:   

Did you enjoy it?	Loved it
Story	Outstanding
Characters / Performances	Outstanding
Special Effects	Good
How does it compare to similar films?	Outstanding

Advantages:	Great cast, characters, story .
Disadvantages:	Predictable .

Recommend to potential buyers:

yes

Full review

I've been going through my DVD's and came across one of my favourites - Sweet Home Alabama.

== Starring

==

Reese Witherspoon - Melanie Carmichael/Melanie Smooter Perry
Josh Lucas - Jake Perry
Patrick Dempsey - Andrew Hennings
Candice Bergen - Mayor Kate Hennings
Mary Kay Place - Pearl Smooter
Fred Ward - Earl Smooter
Jean Smart - Stella Kay
Ethan Embry .... Bobby Ray
Melanie Lynskey - Lurlynn
Courtney Gains - Wade
Mary Lynn Rajskub - Dorothea

== The Story

==

Melanie Carmichael is one of New York's rising stars of the fashion world. She earns rave reviews from her shows, lives in a hip apartment, and she is dating Andrew Hennings, the Mayor of New York's son. Melanie is living the fairytale life and has put Pigeon Creek, Alabama far out of her mind. But when Andrew has top jewellers Tiffany's opened up especially for her and proposes, she suddenly remembers she has some unfinished business back home and a husband to boot.

When the story of the engagement hits New York headlines, Melanie must travel home for the first time in 7 years to tie up loose ends, while Andrew stays home and battles with his mother, who doesn't think Melanie is suitable for her son.

Back in Alabama, Melanie is hit with what she has left behind. When her childhood sweetheart Jake refuses to sign divorce papers she is forced to stick around to persuade him otherwise, as well as face a few home truths from the people from her past.

When Andrew unexpectedly turns up in Alabama a web of lies is unravelled. Melanie no longer knows where she belongs or with whom. Andrew is her dream guy, but she is discovering a new side to Jake. Is home where the heart it? But what about her job? And can she really leave New York behind?

== Personal Opinion

==

I've always liked Reese Witherspoon and she is perfect for the role of Melanie. I hadn't heard of Josh Lucas before this film but the chemistry between him and Reece was perfect. He's not too hard on they eyes either. : ) The supporting cast also go a long way to making the film.

The soundtrack fits perfectly with the film. I dare you to try not to sing along to 'Sweet Home Alabama'. :)

This is a lovely warm-hearted film. One for all the family. Some may say it's very predictable but in no way does it take away from the story. It has the perfect mix of comedy, romance and touching moments. By the end of it you'll want to live in Pigeon Creek with its close-knit community and slightly wacky inhabitants.

Special Features =====

- 8 Deleted scenes with Directors intros.
- Alternate ending with director intro.
- Director audio commentary.
- 'Mine All Mine' music video.

== Current prices

==

I've checked a few websites for current prices and this is the best I've come up with. (01/06/2005)

www.play.com - £8.99
www.amazon.co.uk - £7.97
www.cdwow.co.uk - £6.99

== Directing/Writing

==

Director - Andy Tennant
Writing : Douglas J. Eboch (story)
C. Jay Cox (screenplay)

== Technical Info

==

Rating: 12
Running Time: 104 mins approx.
Region: 2
Colour: PAL
Widescreen format: 2.35:1
Dual Layer Format.
Dolby Digital 5.1
Dolby Surround 2.0