Natalie Portman, who played the young girl in the classic Leon and of course Princess Amidala in Star Wars Episode 1, now branches out into the 'heartfelt drama' territory. An awkward type of move that you will often find languishing on Channel 5 during the day or at 3.00pm on Sky Premier 3 on a Thursday (or something like that) and it will often be sentimental tat. 'Where the Heart Is' does not have the usual straight to video 'has beens' in the lead roles, however, but a very versatile and appealing cast of new and established stars, unfortunately it also has a plot so predictable you'll be able to know the end by looking at the poster.

Portman plays Novalee Nation (excellent redneck name there) who is left stranded at the Wal-Mart (the American version of Asda), in Nowheresville USA, by her 'white trash' scumbag boyfriend Willy J. Pickens (another great name) while heavily pregnant and without food, money or anyone to go to. So she decides she'll live in the Wal-Mart, as you would obviously do, until she gives birth and she becomes famous as the Wal-Mart Mom with Wal-Mart baby.

However this is just the beginning of Novalee's trials and ordeals as throughout the movie she endures baby kidnapping, tornadoes, death, violence and an aversion to the number 5, all pretty normal really. While as a sub-plot we see the events that befall the bastard ex-boyfriend. She is not alone though as along with best friend Lexi Coop (Judd), would be boyfriend Forney Hull (Frain) and her adopted mother 'Sister' Hubbard (Channing) (noticed this trend for amazingly stoopid names yet) all play major roles in her life through the movie, which through all the disasters builds to an inevitable happy ending.

While 'Where the Heart Is' may be overly sentimental, way too long, incredibly predictable and has been done thousands of time before it was actually not that bad too watch. It wasn't amazing by a long stretch but did have a certain charm to it that made it engaging in places. Much of this was to do with the strong character acting by Portman, Channing, Judd and Frain who were excellent in their roles as quirky individuals in a small town. Unfortunately the film and script offers nothing challenging to them and you are left thinking what could have been if there was a better story and script on offer. Overall worth seeing to pass the time but just don't expect any surprises as this ain't a classic by a long way.

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