Heart of Dixie (1989)

This film offers the modern viewer born say during the Reagan Administration and well after or into the Civil Rights Movement, a little perspective on what was the socio-political atmosphere in Alabama in 1957, the year in which "Hearts of Dixie" was based. And while this film is no exceptional film by any stretch of the imagination, it is worthy of viewing and comment on several grounds.For one thing, it reveals the naiveté prevalent among the South and especially young Southerners of the time regarding the race issue, and especially their superficial and almost arrogant attitudes toward it.The film portrayed these elements with skill and prowess.The film also examined the social awakening of two of its main and central characters, namely Phoebe Cates' character for one, which was cursorily touched upon, and the role played by Ally Sheehy, the central character in the story. The juxtaposition of her supposed civility and grace mixed with her moral and ethical outrage at the act of injustice at the Elvis concert and afterwards was especially revealing and telling. And her awakening was a true metamorphosis, and the crowd scene shows this, for it allows her Southern-ness to essentially disintegrate and disappear was artful while her new self emerges and into the arms of her hero.It would appear that the first person who reviewed and panned this film failed to catch as much.The film itself may have been overacted and a bit contrived, that much is given, but overall the story and screenplay itself was a good and solid one and does not deserve to be panned in the manner in which it was panned. I would urge everyone to view this film with a more critical eye, which means to do so with an eye more toward seeing the film's cinematic merits and detractions and to look beyond just how the actors respond to their roles. For in just regarding an actor's portrayal, you too might be accused of taking the film a little too superficially.

Maggie(Ally Sheedy), Delia(Virginia Madsen)and Aiken(Phoebe Cates)are returning to Randolph University in 1950's Alabama. These sorority sisters spend most of their time worrying about finding and keeping the men they will eventually marry and become the typical southern wife. Education actually is on the back burner. Maggie awakens to the realities of the world around her; after witnessing a young black man being beaten by a crowd of whites and the police at an Elvis concert. She wishes to write an article in the college paper about racial discrimination and segregation. But she is ahead of her time.Other cast members: Treat Williams, Don Michael Paul, Lisa Zane and Peter Berg. This is one of those cases where the soundtrack actually outshines the film. Some real great 50's music by the likes of Ivory Joe Hunter, Jackie Brenston, The Platters and Elvis Presley.

What a stinker. This movie was a total bore. I wanted to like this film because I'm a fan of all of the major characters. However, the characters were totally unbelievable. The Southern accents were laughable. There was no chemistry between any of the actors, let alone the two main stars. The acting was stiff and wooden, and appeared forced. In other words, it looked like they were acting. Poor Ally had a sour looking face the entire film. She must of realized what a stinker this movie was. I'd rate this movie no better then a local high school drama play. If you want to see a movie about racial injustice, rent the DVD classic, To Kill A Mockingbird; don't waste $14.99 buying this mess.

This is one of those movies you start watching because it has some interesting "celebrity" names...and it's an 80's film. It doesn't live up to that 80's film image. Don't get me wrong...if you like watching ignorant soldiers fight in pubs and little girls say it's ok to be raped...oh and let me not forget the infamous negro telling his "master" that he gets treated "oh so good", then you'd love this film. It was a waste of my time. I actually couldn't make myself watch the end. I watched enough to tell you...change the channel, don't waste your buck at the movie rental store, and if you went to a movie theater...then bless your hearts...you are brave.