Sweet Home Alabama (2002)

I may be biased in reviewing this movie because I've watched this film many times and it reminds me of when I was a little girl, sitting in the living room with my mum with this light hearted romantic comedy playing on the TV. So when I watch it again now it always brings back a fondness for the film as it is such a sweet story that provides a classic humour with a heart warming storyline.

Sweet Home Alabama is about a small town girl  Melanie who leaves her hometown Alabama to move to New York City where she plans on a bigger and better life which includes her becoming a fashion designer and marrying the mayor's son. After getting engaged to Andrew Hennings played by the dashing Patrick Dempsey, she realises she has things to sort out in the town she left behind and hasn't been back to in seven years like the divorce to her first (and only) childhood love Jake and seeing her parents once again. But when she returns, she reconnects with her past and finds she is at home there in Alabama. The film highlights the true meaning of community and friendship as the scenes when Melanie return are both welcoming and funny.

With her fiancee Andrew showing up whilst she is in the process of trying to get Jake to sign the divorcee papers, stuff gets more complicated and truths about her past life are revealed much to his surprise. With the wedding looking like it is going ahead after Jake signs the papers, everyone's futures look on track but when the big day comes it turns out Melanie is the one who has not signed the papers and cannot bring herself to do it as she realises she is still in love with Jake and always has been. With the wedding called off why waste a good reception! Melanie goes to find Jake who is out in a storm, and they kiss with the rain soaking them and him asking why he wants to mary her anyway? and her replying 'So I can kiss you anytime I want' mimicking the first scene of the film where they were children so that the words are echoed but in reverse. I hate to label a movie but this is a chick flick if there ever was one, with the romantic story of soul mates who found their way back to each other. Although it is a predictable ending, it is the ending we all want to see so you cannot complain.

Verdict - This film is far from the best romance story ever but it provides lovely tale that envelops you in the plot and makes you want to be a part of it.