Hey folks, Harry here with a look at that movie with the trailer that tells you every twist and turn of the entire film except who she ends up with at the end... But... I think the title tips it's hat in that case... Anyway here's longtime spy, Caller From L.A. with a look at Reese's latest Meg Ryan flick...
The following is a non-spoiler review of Sweet Home Alabama.
Summary: SWA is a predictable romantic comedy set in a small town with quirky characters. It fulfills all the objectives of a romcom, including the 'cute meet', scenic wedding proposal, lead character arc, slow-ish second act, and wacky wedding. This film is not great, it's just homey goodness. I recommend it, especially as a date film - although My Big Fat Greek Wedding is tons more funny and touching.
Writing: Story by Douglas J. Eboch and screenplay by C. Jay Cox. Fashion designer becomes engaged to NYC's Mayor's son, except oops, she's technically still married to her first husband in Alabama. She returns to Alabama to finally get the divorce, and ends up discovering who she really is. Awww.
Script is well written, no major plotholes, all characters have a nice resolution in the last five minutes. Main problem is that lead character (Reese Witherspoon) does some downright nasty things in the beginning of the film, and personally, I never forgave her character even after she asks for forgiveness. Story is also very, very predictable, but this is a commercial romcom, and as such, it does have to follow some guidelines.
Direction: Directed by Andy Tennant (Ever After). Adept for a romcom, as expected.
Acting: Most romantic comedies have their quirky character scene-stealer - the pleasure is that this role goes to Ethan Embry (That Thing You Do!). Reese plays bratty just fine, it's her niche. Candice Bergen is the NYC Mayor, and Patrick Dempsey is her son - they play it all easily. I hope to see more of Josh Lucas, who fulfills the role of Alabama husband extremely well, and seems to be using his inner-Matthew McConaughey in this film. And finally, it was nice to see Melanie Lynskey (Beautiful Creatures) back on the silver screen again.
Notes: Opens in the U.S. on September 27 against The Tuxedo. HSX gamers estimate an opening weekend of $13 million...I'm guessing it'll do a little less due to Greek Wedding's long legs (which opened 1 month before Attack of the Clones - wow!).
Cheers,
--Caller From L.A.
