Fun
Frisky
Nostalgic
Intense
Adventurous
Choked Up
Curious
Romantic
Weird
Today marks the 15th anniversary of Sweet Home Alabama, a film I declare to be the best rom-com of Reese Witherspoon’s illustrious film career. Sure, Just Like Heaven and This Means War are fine, but a ubiquitous cable TV presence has transformed this charming film about a big city socialite returning to Alabama to obtain a divorce from her childhood sweetheart into a rewatchable classic. How exactly did this happen? First, it’s a legitimately delightful movie starring a charismatic, endearing cast. Second, it’s always on television. If you’ve turned your TV on in the past 10 years, you’ve undoubtedly been greeted by Reese Witherspoon’s smiling face as she wonders why her old pal brought a baby to a bar.
Do I legitimately love Sweet Home Alabama or do I have Sweet Home Alabama-inspired Stockholm syndrome due to repeated viewing? Who cares! It’s the best. One of the reasons I enjoy this movie so damn much is because it’s way better than it should be. The opening voiceover for the film’s trailer sounds like every forgettable rom-com ever produced:
“Melanie Carmichael has it all. She’s the hottest designer in the fashion world; she’s dating the son of NY’s mayor; and she’s about to get the proposal of her dreams. But before she can tie the knot, she needs to tie up one loose end…”
This is followed by a literal record scratch, the revelation that Melanie’s still married to her childhood sweetheart (Josh Lucas), a confused dog being like, “Wait, what?!” and the unmistakable first notes of Lynyrd Skynyrd’s “Sweet Home Alabama.” But dammit, it works. It inexplicably works.
Sweet Home Alabama bypasses all the typical rom-com froth and instead focuses on a relatable conflict between your past and present. Do you continue the life you’ve worked so hard to create for yourself, or do you revisit the world you left behind? Everyone can empathize with that dilemma. Plus, it’s just better written than most romantic comedies. Sweet Home Alabama understands that all good rom-coms are rooted in charming, engaging characters. Reese Witherspoon and Josh Lucas exude charisma and have a fun, magnetic chemistry, but what elevates the film to another level is the fact that Patrick Dempsey’s Andrew Hennings isn’t a bad guy. He’s a worthy suitor. Melanie’s choice isn’t easy because both lives are appealing.
A hallmark of a lazy rom-com is making the third member of a love triangle the obvious dud. Andrew Hennings is no dud. He’s being groomed to be the president! Melanie has a real decision to make. Due to the broad appeal of this cinematic sweet-talker, I’ve watched the film with my dad (a fan of Star Trek, the History Channel, and proper lawn care etiquette) and my nana (a fan of Jimmy Stewart and whatever happens to be on TV) and they both loved it. I even asked my nana whom she’d select if forced to choose between Jake and Andrew.
“I don’t know, Joshua. It’s just a movie,” she said. My nana didn’t dodge the inquiry because she thinks her grandson’s an idiot who asks inane questions, she was evasive because there’s no clear answer. Live in New York with the handsome son of the mayor or move back to Alabama and rekindle your relationship with a rakish animal lover who has an affinity for glassblowing?
Sweet Home Alabama succeeds in creating genuine, organic conflict.
Perhaps you prefer Reese Witherspoon’s Legally Blonde to Sweet Home Alabama. I understand that. I mean, you’re dead wrong, but I get it. Legally Blond is a classic film, but I characterize it as more of a comedy than a romantic comedy. One thing I hope we can all agree on, however, is that Sweet Home Alabama is a super fun movie you can enjoy with anybody.
Happy anniversary, Sweet Home Alabama! Here’s to fifteen more years of being pleasantly surprised to find you playing at 11:30 p.m. on Bravo.
