 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
Sweet Home Alabama
- PG-13
- Genre: Comedy
- 2002
Common Sense Media says
Witherspoon's charm keeps this movie afloat.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this movie has brief strong language, gay characters (one out, one closeted) who are positively portrayed, and references to an out of wedlock teen pregnancy. Melanie gets drunk (and gets sick). Drinking, vandalism, and minor crimes are portrayed as evidence of a free spirit.
What's the story?
In SWEET HOME ALABAMA, Melanie Carmichael (Reese Witherspoon) is a fashion designer just breaking through to the big time with her first solo show. Not only is it a huge success, but she also gets a swooningly romantic marriage proposal from a gorgeous, thoughtful, supportive man (Patrick Dempsey) who adores her – and who happens to be the son of the mayor of New York (Candice Bergen). It's the 21st century Cinderella dream come true, except for one hitch -- literally. Way back when she was just Melanie Cooter of Pigeon Creek, Alabama, she got herself hitched to her childhood sweetheart, and now she needs to get herself unhitched so that she can be free to marry Prince Charming. So, she goes back home for the first time in seven years, and she finds out that you can take the girl out of Pigeon Creek, but you can't take Pigeon Creek out of the girl. Her accent comes back, and, more disconcertingly, so do some of her feelings for her husband, Jake (Josh Lucas).
Is it any good?
Reese Witherspoon has the charm, sparkle, and impeccable comic timing to keep an entire movie afloat and make it look effortless. It takes every bit of her talent and all-around adorability to keep this romantic comedy aloft, considering the considerable weight of its uncertain script. Without her, even the enticing premise and an exceptionally able supporting cast would sink under the weight of a plot that somehow manages to be both predictable and disjointed. The movie spends a too much time reuniting Melanie with people from her past. It also spends much too much time introducing us to all kinds of adorable cracker stereotypes, and on a tired plot twist about Melanie's exaggeration of her family's social standing.
A terrific soundtrack helps, with a cover of the irresistible title tune and delicious songs by country greats. Lucas and Dempsey are both dreamy enough that even movie-savvy viewers may find it hard to pick the winner.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about why people are tempted to lie about their past, and how they would respond if they found out someone they cared about had lied to them. What does Melanie mean when she says "I figured if I was pointing at you, no one would see through me." What didn't she want them to see? What is Melanie likely to do next?
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- Teens & kids
AGE
e.g. Perfect for older kids, but not for tweens
This is a really great movie. Reese Witherspoon is a really great actress, too.
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AGE
Cute, Funny, not for tweens
This movie was cute and funny, as well as refreshingly surprising in an age of predictable romcoms. Some of the language and the sexual content make it innapropriate for tweens. 13+ okay.
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AGE
It was a funny movie with a great plot...what more could you ask for?
Sweet Home Alabama was a great movie. There were some parts that were a bit boring but the rest was great! It was funny and enjoyable. It wasn't one of those movies where you knew what was going to happen, I was actually surprised!
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AGE
good movie
I realy enjoyed i but there was a lot of drinking and seens at the bar. the main character even got drunk, but other than that i think it is good for 11 year olds and up. my 10 year old sis did not realy pay attentioin and she got bored fast.
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Kid, 12 years old
April 9, 2008
AGE
One of my fav movies!
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Kid, 11 years old
April 9, 2008
AGE
One of my fav movies!
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AGE
sweet and hilarious movie
sweet and hilarious movie i luv it my little 8 year old sister saw it and i thought it was not appropriate for her at the beginning an 11 year old asks a ten year old to get married with him but she says no even though they end up getting married and there is fluent/constant cussing but it was as i said before sweet and hilarious
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AGE
A Movie Worth Seeing!
Love this movie! I think though that it is VERY predictable and that there is some swearing that might not want to be heard for kids under 12. Of course, there are some strong sexual refrences and also a gay guy that they portray as gay. One night she gets out of control drunk and winds up being sick.. Unless you want to explain what a hangover is to your children then I would say it's off for under 12 but iffy for 13. I thought it was a very cute movie and as always, Witherspoon was great!
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| Studio: | Touchstone Pictures |
| Director: | Andy Tennant |
| Cast: | Candice Bergen, Josh Lucas, Reese Witherspoon |
| Genre: | Comedy |
| Run time: | 109 minutes |
| Theatrical release date: | September 27, 2002 |
| DVD release date: | February 4, 2003 |
| MPAA rating: | PG-13 |
| MPAA explanation: | language and sexual references |
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