I love this movie and always have. I have read the book too. It is based from a true event. The Actors and Actresses all do a great job and there are many beloved and talented ones here. The story itself is very heartfelt. It is a story of a young pregnant female who, with the father of her baby, heads from Tennessee to California to start a life. On the way there an unexpected issue leaves her alone, very pregnant and heart-broken, as well as homeless. She winds up living in the Walmart and events soon conspire that leave her less alone and homeless and living a journey of love. As in reality, there are losses and sad events, but funny events and a picture into a window of life in Oklahoma. There are many serious and disturbing real life issues that this movie addresses, so let the little ones wait a few years before watching, as it is an adult movie. Also if one is willing to leave the morality police hat off, (cursing, sex, discussion of sex) the love stories in this movie are very beautiful. It is very much a "coming of age" movie to be enjoyed. So enjoy! :)

I'm an educated intelligent man. My sophisticated 'Cinephile' friends would laugh me out of town if I asked them to watch this endearing little gem. Tough. I'm not ashamed to admit however schlocky or simple a lot of high-brow folk think this film is, how below them, that *I* love Where the Heart Is!
If you have half a heart, and a little laugh in the middle of serious sorrow and joy, maybe you'll love this pic too!

I watch this movie regularly! It's like that favorite treat you give yourself every now and then. This one has stellar performances by Natalie Portman, Stockard Channing, Joan Cusack, Ashley Judd, Sally Field and James Frain. The characters are vivid and memorable, the story is poignant and little Novalee Nation (Natalie Portman) is endearing. Her wisecracking nurse Lexie, (Ashley Judd) who becomes her best friend almost stole the show. She was my favorite. Sister Husband (Stockard Channing) made me wish I knew her character in real life. There were times in this movie you held your breath, times you cried, times you got mad, and times you laughed. It did what a good movie should do.

I have watched this film every time that I see it because the story continues to draw me into the lives of Novalee, Americus, and Forney. It is unique and always heartwarming. The four leads (Natalie Portman, James Frain, Stockard Channing, and Ashley Judd) with all supporting cast members are excellent.

Several years of Novalee's life is vividly portrayed as she transitions from abandoned young mother to be, through six weeks of secretly living in WalMart to growing up in a variety of ways with the support of several friends in a small Oklahoma town.

It is utterly beautiful with Natalie Portman clearly demonstrating and confirming her amazing talent many years prior to winning an Oscar for Best Actress in The Black Swan in 2010.

This is one of my all-time favorite movies ever! I love any movie with Natalie Portman OR Ashley Judd. I first saw this movie when it came out in theaters when I was a teenager. It was such a great feel-good movie with a lot of depth and meaning to it. I loved the cute love story and how her ex-boyfriend who abandoned her at Wal-Mart when she was pregnant, changed his life around. this is a great chick flick, but also one the whole family can enjoy. This is one of those few I fall back on again and again when I want a familiar favorite or something to fall asleep to. I never get tired of it.
A beautiful young pregnant girl is left stranded by her heartless boyfriend at an Oklahoma Wal-Mart. With nothing for company but a budging fichus tree given to her by the local welcome committee ("Sister" Thelma Husband), she takes shelter inside the Wal-Mart keeping a collection of IOUs that she fully intends to repay when able. In the meantime, she meets Forney, the brother of the local librarian (something of a loner but extremely articulate) who inspires her to educate herself. Eventually, Forney delivers Novalee's baby girl Americus inside the local Wal-Mart, ushering the duo into the spotlight. She befriends Lexie (Ashley Judd), a independent minded, free-spirited single mother and moves in With "Sister" and her gentlemen friend "Mr. Spock." It is in the heart of this sleepy town that Novalee learns what it means to be a family, the value of friends, develops a passion for photography, and falls in love with a man who turns out to be her soul-mate. Of course, there are several bumps to happily ever.

I had watched this movie a dozen of times. Since DVD is no longer convenient way to entertain. I bought this movie for streaming !
I still love this movie a lot!
Young Natalie Portman is amazing, but all supporting cast is excellent.

A beautiful young pregnant girl is left stranded by her heartless boyfriend at an Oklahoma Wal-Mart. With nothing for company but a budging fichus tree given to her by the local welcome committee ("Sister" Thelma Husband), she takes shelter inside the Wal-Mart keeping a collection of IOUs that she fully intends to repay when able. In the meantime, she meets Forney, the brother of the local librarian (something of a loner but extremely articulate) who inspires her to educate herself.

Eventually, Forney delivers Novalee's baby girl Americus inside the local Wal-Mart, ushering the duo into the spotlight. She befriends Lexie (Ashley Judd), a independent minded, free-spirited single mother and moves in With "Sister" and her gentlemen friend "Mr. Spock." It is in the heart of this sleepy town that Novalee learns what it means to be a family, the value of friends, develops a passion for photography, and falls in love with a man who turns out to be her soul-mate. Of course, there are several bumps to happily ever. Still this film is so charming and endearing that it passes in the blink of an eye with a great supporting cast including Ashley Judd, Sally Field,and Stockard Channing. Natalie Portman gives a transformative performance (and in my opinion) one that helped kick her career into high gear.

Where the Heart Is reminds us to look for the best in ourselves and others and pass on the good...Superb film worth owning!

I’ve owned this movie on VHS for many years now. It’s a classic, and I could probably repeat every line by now. Novalee and Forney’s love story is so sweet, and the ending melts my heart every single time. Ashley Judd played a great part too. If you’re looking for an endearing movie that will make you laugh out loud and pull on your heartstrings at the same time then this movie is for you.