Where the Heart Is

This one goes overboard with too many characters and story lines, but manages to be quite sweet thanks to the fine acting of Natalie Portman, Ashley Judd and Stockard Channing. Portman plays Novalee Nation, a pregnant 17-year-old abandoned by her boyfriend at Wal-Mart, where she gives birth to a baby girl and becomes a small-town celebrity. Ashley Judd plays her best friend, who names her own children after various snack foods. Channing plays Sister Husband, the kind soul who gives Novalee and her child a place to stay. It’s hard to keep track of at times, but the three actresses, not to mention an excellent supporting cast, make the movie worthwhile.