In this movie, and believe me, I watch this movie every chance I get even though I own the book and the DVD. Ashley Judd is great in her role of Lexie Coop, but in her character, she is so nosy and insists on reading everything Novalee Nation has to read. For example: 1. When Novalee is sitting on the hospital bed after having Americus. Lexie opens all the envelops and reading the letters and doesn't even ask permission from Novalee to read them. 2. Then, after the tornado, Sister Husband has died and Ray delivers Sister's estate envelope to Novalee. She grabs the envelope from Novalee and again opens the envelope without Novalees's permission 3. And finally, when Novalee reads the newspaper about Willie J. Pickens having his wheelchair stolen she grabs the newspaper away from her. To me, that shows just how nosy and wanting to get into Novalee's business all the time. I can understand having a friend accompany her for emotional support, but Lexie Coop seems to dig deep into her business. In the actual book, Lexie is not nosy at all, but the movie really does point it out.

Novalee Nation Natalie Portman) is a very pregnant 17-year-old from Tennessee heading to California with her boyfriend Willie Jack (Dylan Bruno), but is abandoned by him at a Wal-Mart store in Sequoyah, Oklahoma where she takes up a homeless existence - no job, no skills and only $5.55 in her pocket, so she secretly lives in the Wal-Mart. Locked in one evening six weeks later she goes into labor and her new friend Forney (James Frain), who's life was in jeopardy because of his alcohol addiction and his choice to dropout of college, delivers her daughter Americus. The situation's so bizarre that Novalee becomes a small town celebrity: she is a strong woman of many talents and she decides to raise her daughter and rebuild her life in Sequoyah, with the help of eccentric but kind strangers. Much to her surprised, Novalee gets an unexpected visit from her mother (Sally Field) who agrees to hold to the $500 given to Novalee from the president of Wal-Mart and to have them both share an apartment. However after agreeing to pick her up the next day, the mother flees with the $500 leaving Novalee and Americus stranded. All manner of freaky friends and strange characters populate this story, giving some fine roles for Ashley Judd, Stockard Channing , Joan Cusack, among others. It is a funky story that somehow rings very true. Grady Harp

Life is full of challenges that are thrown at us every day. "Where the Heart Is" explores what we do as individuals when faced with these challenges with two impending truths, to accept fate or to grow from our setbacks. Set against the backdrop of the countryside Oklahoma the movie follows the story of Novalee a pregnant teenager (played by Natalie Portman) who's life seems to go from bad to worse when her boyfriend abandons her at a Wal-Mart. With no one to turn to for help she seeks refuge at the department store for several weeks, ultimately becoming a local celebrity when she gives birth inside.Novalee is constantly overcoming the harsh cards of fate as she tries to give herself and her child the best in life she can. We meet many characters that come into her life along the way, each with a lesson to share and a story of their own looming set backs in life to tell. Ashley Judd gives an amazing performance as Novalee's best friend Lexie, a single mother of five who struggles to juggle motherhood, work and finding Mr Right. Novalee's love interest a mysterious and reserved librarian Forney (Played my James Frain) is also an admirable character who's life has been put on hold to be a full time care giver for his gravely ill sister. All the characters in this film are well written, with interesting back-stories and admirable features that make you care about them all the way to the end.Much of the story plays upon fate and chance. We see some very depressing stories unfold and you may find yourself asking; What would you have done in their situation?

Don't be a jerk. we don't need to see evidence of your ability to use correct syntax and BIG WORDS. this movie is great. it's sort of tongue-in-cheek, depicting the American working class as it exists in certain rural areas. its excessive use of Wal-Mart and brief but hilariously slanted depictions of country music are hilarious. also, naming her baby America is just another jest at some of those excessively "patriotic" Americans. take a step back and realize not every movie is so literal, unlike the Tom Clancy books you read."fundamentals are the crutch for the talentless" -Kenny Powersbyeeeeeee