Sweet Home Alabama
Seen it?2002 | 108 min | Comedy, Romance
Weeknight WatchWhy it’s a Weeknight Watch
It made about 6 times its budget, but middling reviews (38% on Rotten Tomatoes) held it back. Fine if it's on; don't plan your night around it.
Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.Is it for you?
- Who'll love it
- Made for romantics and anyone who wants a laugh. Audiences love it more than critics do: a crowd-pleaser first.
- The mood
- Light and funny, romantic.
- The pace
- Breezy, at 1 hr 48 min.
- What might put you off
- Rated PG-13: peril. Probably too much for younger kids.
New York fashion designer Melanie Carmichael suddenly finds herself engaged to the city's most eligible bachelor. But her past holds many secrets—including Jake, the redneck husband she married in high school, who refuses to divorce her. Bound and determined to end their contentious relationship once and for all, Melanie sneaks back home to Alabama to confront her past.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsBelow par
38% on Rotten Tomatoes, 45 on Metacritic
- AudiencesSolid
6.4 out of 10
- AwardsBelow par
3 wins and 5 nominations from smaller awards and festivals
- Box office & staying powerStrong
$181 million worldwide on a $30 million budget
- Buzz & cultural impactStrong
About 603K people sought it out in the past year
Trailer
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Cast & crew
Directed by Andy Tennant
- Reese WitherspoonMelanie Smooter
- Josh LucasJake Perry
- Patrick DempseyAndrew Hennings
- Candice BergenMayor Kate Hennings
- Mary Kay PlacePearl Smooter
- Fred WardEarl Smooter
- Jean SmartStella Kay Perry
- Ethan EmbryBobby Ray
- Melanie LynskeyLurlynn
- Courtney GainsSheriff Wade