September 27, 2002

By Veronica Mixon

I hate movies that eventually center around a wedding where either the bride or groom gets jilted! It's cruel and there is nothing funny or emotionally illuminating about it! So, even though I adore Reese Witherspoon, I was not looking forward to seeing her latest film, Sweet Home Alabama.

The trailer gave everything away and even though the filmmakers tried to keep us guessing, I knew what was going to happen. What is wonderful and delightful about this cute comedy - besides real-life Southern belle Witherspoon - is the enchanting performances by Patrick Dempsey, who has not looked more handsome and newcomer Josh Lucas, who is a cross between Paul Newman and Kevin Costner. Can you imagine having to choose between these two? Only in a movie!

The story is simple. Fashion designer Melanie Carmichael (Witherspoon) has just presented her first collection in New York City and as an added reward her handsome beau, Andrew (Dempsey Scream 3 ) takes her to Tiffany's to pick out an engagement ring. "Pick one," he says.

Andrew is a JFK Jr. type whose mother, Kate (Candice Bergen) is the mayor and of course, very disapproving of her. When Kate blurts out her disgust in front of the press, Melanie rushes back to Alabama to take care of some unfinished business. It seems she's still married to her childhood sweetheart, Jake (Lucas A Beautiful Mind).

Melanie is like a lot of New Yorkers. She's left her quaint, poor childhood home and never looked back -- not even to say hey to her parents (Mary Kay Place and Fred Ward). Back home, she's appalled at her friends who have grown up and settled into their lives. He constantly fights with Jake, who flashes her brilliant blue eyes in anger and in love. He can't believe how arrogant Melanie has become.

The film is built around Witherspoon, who had a surprise hit last year with Legally Blonde and has strutted her stuff in Election and Cruel Intentions. Once again, she shows that her charm, personality and talent can lift even a light piece of fluff. The pert blonde with her heart-shaped face looks good as the sophisticated gal on big city money Dempsey's arm and she's equally charming as she slips back into her southern drawl and draws near to Josh Lucas.

Sweet Home Alabama is a sweet entertaining film.