This movie does have a Special Kind of charm. It has some amazing life lessons all over the place and says.. you know most people aren't that bad. For that reason alone I recommend it. But ugh there are some problems. First, casting. Natalie Portman is just too glamorous for the role. That "tinges" everything that happens. First, hard to believe a 17 year old that is so good looking hasn't been approached by and older, more financially prosperous man. Secondly, are the town people kind to her out of kindness the petty privilege of a pretty pregnant girl? Ultimately this hurts the Forney relationship because she is so out of his league it seems like she is just using him and does he pine over her for who she is or lust over her? James Frain is horribly miscast as well. His character is supposed to be very smart but he doesn't sell that. He is also more... unusual looking so it comes off like Novalee is just using him. It was like the casting department just went with the first people who said yes. There is also a subplot with Ashley Judd's character which, was very dark. To this day have trouble watching it.
Review of Where the Heart Is
