Country Strong (2010)

SERIOUSLY. This is what the crap Hollywood still puts out?

This movie was so-so. It had it's moments, but wasn't the greatest.

I enjoyed watching this film and would recommend other to give it a try , (as I am) but this movie, although enjoyable to watch due to the better than average acting fails to add anything new to its storyline that is all too familiar to these types of movies.

Great movie. Not sure what people expected but I found it highly entertaining.

Country Strong is the typical Hollywood story with a southern twist. Although the story line could be predictable to many, director Shana Feste gives it a twang, with the help of the charming cast. Starring characters Gwyneth Paltrow, Leighton Meester, Garrett Hedlund and Tim McGraw take the often used fame/affair/addiction plot and transform it into a song you can't get out of your head and a performance you can't stop watching.The 2010 movie begins with famous country singer Kelly Cantor (Paltrow), and rehab worker by day small performer by night Beau (Hedlund) writing a song together in Kelly's room in rehab. It is obvious Beau and Kelly have a romantic relationship and the storyline begins to heat up when McGraw's character, James, is introduced to the audience as Kelly's husband turned career manager. It doesn't take those watching long to form a hatred and resentment towards the hostile, unloving James, who pulls Kelly out of rehab too soon, and a love for bad boy with a soft spot Beau. Kelly is immediately launched back into her singing career where she left off, but this time with company. Beau and an aspiring "country Barbie" (as described by Beau), Chiles Stanton (Meester) are along for the ride as Kelly's opening act during her three city tour. As if the Cantors' marriage wasn't messed up enough, there are suspicions of an affair between James and Chiles.As much as we do not want to feel sorry for a multi- millionaire with an alcohol and drug problem, the journey on the tour is a mix of emotions for the viewers. We are informed that at Kelly's last show in Dallas before being sent to rehab, she had a miscarriage due to falling off of the stage due to being drunk at the performance. Blame is obviously in line for Kelly when it is seen in writing, but Paltrow's strong emotion and obvious love for her unborn baby is heartbreaking and keeps the viewer engages in her excellent performance. If this movie didn't stir up enough emotion as it is, Fest includes an adorable scene, as well as my personal favorite, featuring Kelly visiting a preschool boy and dancing with him for the make a Wish Foundation. The entire movie is a roller coaster of emotions for the characters and the viewers alike. Any person who has feelings and a warm heart is bound to enjoy this movie at least half as much as I did and do each time that I watch it. It is a movie that can be watched time and time again without getting old. The ending is as big of a surprise the first time as it is each time it is seen. Each actor is perfectly fit for their character and performs it to a high standard. As the plot is reused and redone,Country Strong remains so unique that it is an unrecognizable story until you find yourself watching a sub-par, poorly done version of the same scheme.

This was one of my favorite country music movies-ranking up with Pure Country. It shows what can happen with the pressures of stardom with Gwyneth Paltrow's character as she disengrates with stardom and personal tragedy. I liked the blending of real-life stars Tim McGraw, Lisa Stewart, Lari White, and Ed Bruce, and my favorite scenes were the concert footage, the bar scenes, the bus scenes, and the room scene where they talked about "Miss America." It was also a good movie about relationships, getting started, and heading out in the right direction. The performances were good, and the cast's chemistry was excellent. If you like the stars and country music, you will love this movie.*** out of ****

This film is for anyone: a music lover, someone who loves a good cry at a movie, anyone! The story is great and gives an insight into a music stars life and when it goes wrong - it really does go wrong! Paltrow is excellent and portrays her character to the very best of her ability. Through out the whole film it catches the audience's attention and keeps it until the very last minute of the film. Hedlund's performance as Beau is delightful as he plays the stereotypical 'country boy' but changes through out the movie for the best.The songs in the film will make you keep wanting to rewind the DVD and play it over and over again. This film will not be forgotten in your DVD collection and will always put you in a song and dance mood! A MUST SEE!! 10/10

Since I'm fond of good country music I thought I'd give this a try, despite not being very keen on Gwyneth Paltrow. However, in this movie she gives a storming performance as a famous country singer, gradually falling apart with depression and alcohol - and she has a great voice! Yes that really is Gwyneth singing in the film.The good news doesn't end there because the supporting cast are just as good, Garret Hedlund and Leighton Meester were fantastic and so good as country singers that I immediately looked for their albums, but apart from the Country Strong Soundtrack, there aren't any! These are just great actors with great voices. Add in a strong performance from Tim McGraw (Oh why cant you just love your woman? - that's all she needs!!).With fine, layered performances from all and a storming soundtrack, this is definitely unmissable for any country music lover. I'm still humming the tunes days later.By the way, be careful if buying the soundtrack album. There are two! The first has other artists covering many of the film's songs and though it's a good album, isn't strictly from the soundtrack in every case. The second album, with the same name, seems to have original performances from the film, but was out of stock and I have it on back order. I think this is the more popular one.Anyway, if, like me, you don't watch films that score less than about 6 on IMDb, make this one an exception. You wont regret it!