Sweet Home Alabama
New York fashion designer Melanie Carmichael suddenly finds herself engaged to the city's most eligible bachelor. But her past holds many secrets—including Jake, the redneck husband she married in high school, who refuses to divorce her. Bound and determined to end their contentious relationship once and for all, Melanie sneaks back home to Alabama to confront her past.
Critics Sentiment
Melanie refuses to sign divorce papers at the altar, cancels the wedding, and punches Kate Hennings
Andrew arrives in Alabama, discovers Melanie's true background and existing marriage, and storms off
The film swings from its weakest point when Andrew's exit from the love triangle feels abrupt and underwritten (score 5.8) to its peak when Melanie cancels the wedding and punches Kate in a crowd-pleasing cathartic climax (score 8.2), a swing of 2.4 points.
Sweet Home Alabama opens with genuine charm and builds steadily on the chemistry between Witherspoon and Lucas, peaking in the bar scene and the revelation of Jake's backstory before dipping slightly when Andrew's subplot resolves too conveniently. The film recovers strongly through the glassblowing reveal and the punchy, feel-good climax, landing as a warmly received if formulaic romantic comedy whose Southern flavor and lead performances carry it well above its mixed critical reception.
Full cast
Showing 20 of 56
Reese Witherspoon
Melanie Smooter
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 Perry
Ethan Embry
Bobby Ray
Melanie Lynskey
Lurlynn
Courtney Gains
Sheriff Wade
Mary Lynn Rajskub
Dorothea
Rhona Mitra
Tabatha Wadmore-Smith
Nathan Lee Graham
Frederick Montana
Sean Bridgers
Eldon
Fleet Cooper
Clinton
Kevin Sussman
Barry Lowenstein
Thomas Curtis
Young Jake
Dakota Fanning
Young Melanie
Mark Skinner
Bruno
Michelle Krusiec
Pan
Crew
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