Where the Heart Is

Has enough potential not to make a good movie, but a mediocre one.

25 years later and I feel like this is a heavily overlooked feature Natalie Portman and Ashley Judd co-star in a drama based on the book by Billie Letts by director Matt Williams Portman plays Novalee, she’s a young Tennessee girl traveling with her boyfriend But after stopping at a Walmart he straight up abandons her; she has no job, no money, no transportation, and is pregnant A local librarian Forney then helps her go into labor one stormy night and Novalee becomes a news sensation After a stint with her estranged mother Novalee is forced to start a new life for herself Yet she finds kindness from many people including Lexie, a mother of several other children and neighbor Thelma Novalee is able to grow and heal with her new daughter This is very good even though many critics were mixed on it It’s kinda fascinating how Joan Cusack plays a double role here It’s pretty heart touching as well Natalie Portman's a good role here being a woman seemingly on verge of being alone and helpless She also has this fear of the number 5 being unlucky ever since her mom abandoned her Forney tells her she doesn’t deserve all these bad things though Ashley Judd is a terrific co-star though has not enough screen time and the film does drag a bit in the middle But it shows how one woman can find a new beginning, after all home is where the heart is and where your history begins, it’s also where someone catches you when you fall, you don’t have to hold onto your old life forever, it’s always possible to start fresh, we’ve got meanness in us but also goodness, the only thing worth living for is the good that’s why we have to pass it on, our lives can change with every breath we take, why does anyone lie? It’s more than a typical chick flick as it’s carried by some terrific performances with likable characters with an examination of the human spirit of peace/serenity through love, loss, taking an inspiring journey through the heart, and the greater need for view of modern community We can still be blessed with friends who help pick up the pieces of our lives

I for one love this movie it is very good the cast was good the story was good

I love this movie 🥰

I was surpisingly impressed by this movie. It dives into the concept of found family, and that won me over.

I read the book before seeing the movie, I thought it was a good rendition of the book without many differences.

One of my favourite movies growing up. I know it's not a masterpiece, but I have loved Natalie Portman unconditionnally ever since. Call it imprinting.

I saw a critic's review that the plot is messy. Listen, Honey, that's just the way life is — messy and full of surprises. You can't sanitize it like a clearly plotted hero's journey. Love the "messiness" of the plot. The one clear thread, though, when seeds of kindness are planted in the lives of people, their lives change in the most unexpected ways. In the end, LIFE (Love in Full Expression — thanks, Suzanne Giesemann, for this useful acronym) wins.

This movie has heart and stands the test of time. 23 years later, it still resonates. Still watchable and sweet. Recommend.

All time fav movie if you have the time sit down and watch it very much worth you're time.