Where the Heart Is

Critics Consensus

Poor script and messy plot undermines the decent cast.

35%

TOMATOMETER

Total Count: 97

76%

Audience Score

User Ratings: 63,927

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Where the Heart Is Photos

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Movie Info

After Tennessee teen Novalee Nation (Natalie Portman) is left literally barefoot and pregnant in a Wal-Mart parking lot by her no-good boyfriend, Willy Jack Pickens (Dylan Bruno), she manages to live within the mammoth megastore until her baby's abrupt arrival makes her a media darling. After this, Good Samaritan nurse Lexie (Ashley Judd) takes in Novalee and her newborn daughter. Before long, Lexie and Novalee form a life-changing bond of friendship and sisterhood.
  • Rating:
    PG-13 (Sexual Content|Language|Thematic Elements)
  • Genre:
    drama, comedy
  • Original Language:
    English
  • Director:
    Matt Williams
  • Producer:
    Susan Cartsonis, Carmen Finestra, David McFadzean
  • Release Date (Theaters):
     wide
  • Release Date (Streaming):
  • Box Office (Gross USA):
    $33.8M
  • Runtime:
  • Production Co:
    Wind Dancer Productions
  • Sound Mix:
    Dolby Stereo, DTS, SDDS, Surround, Dolby Digital, Dolby SR
  • Aspect Ratio:
    Flat (1.85:1)

Cast & Crew

Natalie Portman
Novalee Nation
Ashley Judd
Lexie Coop
Stockard Channing
Thelma 'Sister' Husband
Joan Cusack
Ruth Meyers
James Frain
Forney Hall
Dylan Bruno
Willy Jack Pickens
Keith David
Moses Whitecotten
Sally Field
Mama Lil
Richard Jones
Mr. Sprock
Mackenzie Fitzgerald
Americus Nation
Matt Williams
Director
Billie Letts
Writer (Novel)
Lowell Ganz
Writer (Screenplay)
Babaloo Mandel
Writer (Screenplay)
Susan Cartsonis
Producer
Carmen Finestra
Producer
Gerrit V. Folsom
Co-Producer
Rick Leed
Executive Producer
Diane Minter Lewis
Co-Producer
David McFadzean
Producer
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News & Interviews for Where the Heart Is

Kidman & Black Sign On for Baumbach’s Next Movie
Jason Patric Proves Himself a "Walker"
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Critic Reviews for Where the Heart Is

All Critics (97) | Top Critics (32) | Fresh (34) | Rotten (63)

View All Critic Reviews (97)

Audience Reviews for Where the Heart Is

  • Jan 30, 2013
    I was close to selling this DVD, but then decided to give it one last gander before goodbye. I'm glad I did cuz this is really quite a sweet movie about redemption and the kindness of strangers. It's Classic Natalie. She's a bit vegan and weird now, but in her salad days (ironic?), she could really bare her heart in her performances. I also dig James Frain (Villefort from "The Count of Monte Cristo) as the lovelorn Forney.
    Alice S Super Reviewer
  • Sep 11, 2012
    A feel-good movie where a pretty young pregnant girl (Natalie Portman) gets left at a Walmart in Oklahoma. During the movie, Natalie has to figure out how to have her baby, establish a support network and find a loving partner.
    Red L Super Reviewer
  • Nov 16, 2011
    It's a bad love story with an irresponsible father, a suggestion on a number, and many, many references and promotion to Wal-Mart
    Rodrigo R Super Reviewer
  • Jul 31, 2011
    Dated and blatant, Where The Heart Is basically tries too hard and mish-mashes far too many events and ideas into one film. A critic said it best when he referred to it as "a great big ol' commercial for the Wal-Mart".
    Christopher H Super Reviewer
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Where the Heart Is Quotes

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