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.
This 2002 romantic comedy from director Andy Tennant follows a rising New York fashion designer who, on the cusp of a glamorous engagement, must quietly return to her small Alabama hometown to untangle her past, including a high-school husband who won't sign the divorce papers. Charming and warm-hearted, the film plays familiar fish-out-of-water and homecoming beats for gentle laughs and feel-good romance. Balancing big-city ambition against small-town roots, it explores identity, belonging, and second chances. With a MagicMovieScore of 6.4, it is a comfortable choice for fans of breezy, lighthearted romantic comedies.
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Reese Witherspoon
Melanie Smooter

Josh Lucas
Jake Perry

Patrick Dempsey
Andrew Hennings

Candice Bergen
Mayor Kate Hennings

Mary Kay Place
Pearl Smooter

Fred Ward
Earl Smooter

Jean Smart
Stella Kay Perry

Ethan Embry
Bobby Ray
1,615 ratings. The score is reasonably stable but could shift up to 0.08 as more ratings come in.
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Release Date
September 26, 2002
Runtime
1h 48m
Rating
PG-13
Genres
Comedy, Romance
Director