Rating: 
Summary: Some characters miscast
Review: I read the book (an Oprah's Book Club selection) before watching the movie. I also felt a little proud because the author was once my teacher at Southeastern Oklahoma State University, so I went into the movie with quite a bit of favoritism.I didn't like Natalie Portman as Novalee. Natalie is the not by any means the type of girl who'd end up dumped at a Wal-Mart, and that makes her portrayal of Novalee unbelievable. Ashley Judd was WAY too Hollywood-esque (is that a word?) for Lexie, who in the book wore a size 22. In my mind, Stockard Channing was a deadringer for Sister Husband, with a quirky sense of humor and fornicatin' on the kitchen table. The movie makes for good, easy viewing. You won't need a Ph.D. in psychology to figure it out, and you won't think you missed anything important if you have to get up to get another drink from the fridge. It's kind of like a big screen Lifetime movie. I recommend to anyone even remotely interested to read the book, too. Preferably before watching the movie. Although the movie is loosely based on the book, you'll get a much better feel for Novalee's plight from the author.
Rating:
Summary: Very touching
Review: This was a very heartwarming and endearing film. Natalie Portman portrays her character very well and the plot is fairly original. This more of a softie, romantic type of film and certain scenes never fail to make my eyes glisten in happiness. The movie seems desperate at certain times, situations appear impossible, but there is a constant thread of hope and love, throughout it all.
Rating: 
Summary: despite my hatred of ashley judd...
Review: ...i still enjoyed this movie. natalie portman took a pretty bold step in deciding to play a single unwed teenage mother, which i applaud. some of the plot lines are pretty strained, and again, i really dislike ashley judd, but this movie is worth buying. okay, well maybe renting.
Rating:
Summary: Flawed, but good
Review: Where The Heart Is is flawed. It's often much to mellowdramatic for it's own good, and a lot of the dialogue is stale, among other things. However, it's such a charming, feel good film that none of it matters. When submerged in it, without questioning the flaws, it's great. When thinking about the flaws, it makes your head hurt. It serves it purpose.
Rating: 
Summary: Well acted - chews more than it bites off
Review: The good news is this movie is quite well-acted. The bad news is that it is really quite a dreadful story. In a nutshell, most major plot developments involve death or injury; thus the story runs on manipulation. In between these developments, characters sit back and discuss how they made it through the last mishap. The movie makes attempts at being both quirky and touching, but fails to realize that touching is much more than mere facts of loss, betrayal, desire, and togetherness. These issues are raised but skillfully avoided, sort of like a person who brings up deep topics but can't converse on them. The result is a story with an awful lot missing, as well as a sense that none of the characters is doing, has done, or will do anything terribly interesting or important, which is an unfortunate predicament for several talented actors. The story's quirkiness is diverting (haven't we all wondered about curling up in a sleeping bag at Wal-Mart?), but never quite so brilliantly as the quirkiness in What's Eating Gilbert Grape or Fried Green Tomatoes. The quirkiness (and I would say also the plot gimmick) of this story is its initial setting (Wal-Mart) and the names of two of its characters: Novalee Nation, and her daughter Americus. The rest tries to revolve around these as if there is something "universal" about Wal-Mart, Novalee, and her daughter. And there may be. But this story never dares to touch upon it
Rating: 
Summary: Great entertainment
Review: My daughter and I rented this. i watched it. Simply, I fell in love. I bought it. Natalie Portman is precious in this movie, her acting devine. Stockard Channing is absolutely delightful as Sister Husband. Ashley Judd is now one of my favorite actresses. It all seemed so effortless for her. The story is funny, sweet, sad, all rolled into one. I watch this movie when I need to feel good about something and to laugh a little. Nothing deep here, just a feel good movie that I think most of us can relate to. It's great, really.
Rating:
Summary: I LOVE THIS MOVIE!!
Review: My family has a copy of this movie. I LOVE some of the songs on it.
Rating:
Summary: A great story from the south.
Review: I watched this movie over the summer, not sure if it was my kind of movie. In fact the biggest reason I wanted to see it is because Portman is a drop-dead hottie! I watched it and ended up liking it. Novalee was quickly able to pull her life together even after being stranded by her sleezy boyfriend who left her broke and pregnant. She wouldn't have made it without the help of her friends Lexie Coop and SIster Husband. Definitley a must see!
Rating:
Summary: Very competent instructional film
Review: This film is intended to provide beginning cardiology students with the basic knowledge of anatomy necessary to pursue their specialty. While not quite up to the standard set by the director's urology training film, "Where the Boys Are," it is nonetheless a well produced work that fulfills its intent admirably. Highly recommended.
Rating:
Summary: Family view
Review: The one thing that amazes me about this movie is how it keeps my 3 yr old daughters attention. She has made me rent it about 6 times now. I have tried all stores possible. No one ever has it. I really want to buy it for her and intend to buy it here. I love it as much as she does. It's the kind of movie that leaves you very fulfilled after watching it.
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