I know I’m resurrecting an old thread, but I just saw this movie. I agree that it was okay. I have one question: What happened to the baby that Melanie and Jake referred to? Did she miscarry? Did she have an abortion? I’m thinking I missed something on one of my potty breaks.
This was my wife’s video rental choice, and though I like Reese when she’s good (Man in the Moon, Freeway, Election), and am open to innocuous by-the-numbers romantic comedies, I found this movie terrible. There isn’t anything funny (though it’s obvious they’re trying), and all the characters are obnoxious, until the plot demands that they turn likable, at which time they conveniently do. Thoroughly charmless and stupid.
Oh, I got the impression that she had a miscarriage–don’t remember if anything explicit was said, but that was the implication I think.
Also, a miscarriage would be consistent with the character of the film–it makes Reese seem more sympathetic in a pat, squeaky-clean sort of way. What was the last “cute” rom-com that featured an abortion undertaken by the lead character? Way too controversial an area for a weak-willed movie like this to approach…
The biggest hole I saw was how everyone said she had been gone for seven years and the whole motivation in her returning to Alabama was so she could divorce her estranged husband legally. Problem is, even if her husband was reluctant to divorce her, she could have pushed it through if she signed the legal papers. The process might have had to been drawn out over a period of time (five years, I’ve heard) and she was gone for seven, so that’s enough time for her to finalize her divorce from her side.
I mean, just because your ex is an ass, and won’t sign the papers he’s supposed to, it doesn’t mean you have to be married to him forever.
The movie was “ok” - more watchable than I thought it would be. What did make me sad is to see Melanie Lynskey ( from Heavenly Creatures) playing such a crummy part so badly. She’s got more talent than Reese, and I wonder if I’m the only one who thinks she needs to make better choices (or get a new agent).
She played a disappointing part in TV’s “Rose Red” too, both times playing Americans- I’d like to see her playing a New Zealander (which she is) or Brit in better roles.
I love a good romantic comedy – this wasn’t one.
I thought the ex-husband’s house was great, though.
The best thing about Sweet Home Alabama was the guitar solo. It was written by the old bass player the day after Van Zant told him to switch to regular guitar, basically because his bass playing sucked. He was so relieved he composed the guitar solo the next day. After Simple Man, thought SHA was Skynryd’s best song.
Oh… you were talking about the movie. Thought it was pretty weak. I thought Reese Witherspoon’s best movie was Election.