Here's to Reese The actress brings sass to a run-of-the-mill story

Som Chivukula

Going into Sweet Home Alabama, you have a pretty good idea of what to expect: a cute-looking Reese Witherspoon, potshot comparisons between the big city and rural Alabama and a sweet, predictable ending.

Andy Tennant directs Sweet Home Alabama, who previously helmed the refreshing Anna And The King and Ever After. Tennant extracted standout performances from the leads in those films and he does the same in the new film. Despite its predictability, Sweet Home Alabama makes for interesting viewing due to the chemistry between leads Witherspoon and Josh Lucas (A Beautiful Mind).

Melanie Carmichael (Witherspoon) is the next hotshot designer in New York City. Her first runway show has just opened to raves and things are looking up. Her personal life is also dreamy, dating the mayor's son Andrew (Patrick Dempsey).

All seems to be fine until one evening, Andrew takes her on a surprise outing to Tiffany's where he proposes. But Melanie is harbouring a secret: She has told everyone in New York that she was born and raised on a plantation in Alabama. In reality, she is the daughter of blue-collar parents. And one more little secret, she is still married to her childhood sweetheart Jake (Lucas) whom she now wants to divorce.

Melanie hits the road to meet up with Jake, whom she has not seen since leaving for New York. Jake refuses to comply with Melanie's demands because he has seen her change from a nice Southern belle to a woman with serious attitude. Obviously, he still has a soft spot for her.

Spending time in Alabama (the suburbs of Atlanta substitute for Greenville) begins to influence Melanie, as she renews her friendship with people she has not seen in seven years. That includes her parents (Fred Ward and Mary Kay Place). Jake finally gives in and Melanie's wedding begins to take shape in Alabama, not without one last chance at redemption.

Like Meg Ryan and Julia Roberts, Witherspoon also brings sassiness to her character in a run-of-the-mill story. Witherspoon displayed the same charm in Legally Blonde, where she played a ditzy student who attends Harvard. Its success propelled her to the A-list and Sweet Home Alabama will solidify her spot.

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As Jake, Lucas reminds you of Kevin Costner, especially Costner's laidback character from Tin Cup. Lucas played a secondary role in A Beautiful Mind, but here, he shows that he is capable of leading man material.

About the only letdown is Candice Bergen, who once again plays a snotty character. Bergen played a conniving pageant director in Miss Congeniality. This time she is New York's mayor.

The film's pacing could also have been better, stumbling to its climax. It could also use some trimming in the middle since some jokes lack punch. Jay Cox's script runs out of steam two-thirds in and you are anxiously awaiting the end.

Despite its shortcomings, Sweet Home Alabama is a sweet, romantic film that can be enjoyed by all.