New in Town (2009)

“New in Town” is one of those dreadful rom-coms about the hoity-toity career-track city gal (Renee Zellweger) who is sent by her bosses to live with country bumpkins in Small Town, USA, for some obscure job task. She hates the town and locals. But then – big shocker -- she falls in love and stays. This is set in rural, dead-of-winter Minnesota, so it plays more like a rom-com version of “Fargo” without the body count, wit, etc. And who ever asked for that? The local folks talk funny, say “darn tootin” a whole bunch, ask strangers if they’ve found Jesus yet, and ice fish. And darn anyone who makes fun of these proud Americans. But the filmmakers do exactly that. (Personal note: One day I’d love to see a film like this end with the city slicker giving middle fingers to the townies, and jetting out for home.) Zellwegger has zip personality here. Shove this film in the wood chipper and hit “Start.” D