Most prominent is the mother of Reese's fiancé, played by Candice Bergen. But if it is stereotypes that you want, they are there to be found. His expressive face lends an authenticity to Jake that transcends the stereotypical former football star and produces a charismatic, likable guy who just wants to win back his girl.

However the real star of the show is Josh Lucas. Witherspoon is right at home in the role as a smart, sassy young woman ala 'Legally Blonde'. You really get a sense of how she must feel when you see her in the honky-tonk bar, surrounded by rednecks with no visible exit. She just cannot seem to get away from it. Old friends seem almost compelled to reminisce about their youthful escapades. Everywhere she turns Reese's character is beset by the people and events of her youth. Aside from being a love story, this film shows us that you cannot escape your past, no matter how hard you try.

Of course, this means that she must go back to the small town where she was raised to demand a divorce from Jake (Josh Lucas) - seven years after walking out on him. I cannot envision anyone but Reese Witherspoon as Melanie, a snooty-but-lovable up-and-coming New York City fashion designer from Alabama who receives a marriage proposal from the prominent, well-bred son of the mayor of New York.

Cast of sweet home alabama movie