Movie Review of Country Strong

Here's the SCREEN evaluation on "Country Strong."

How does "Country Strong" measure up at the movies? Does this country music motion picture merit screening?

Synopsis of "Country Strong"

"Country Strong" is a musical melodrama that tells the story of a down-and-out country music legend, whose alcoholic troubles have all but derailed her career, her marriage and her life.

As the movie begins, Kelly Canter (played by Gwyneth Paltrow) is leaving rehab and preparing to go on the road for a concert tour, organized by her manager/husband (played by Tim McGraw). The tour represents Kelly Canter's last chance to revive her fallen reputation and country music career.

The plot is thickened, of course, by Kelly Canter's complicated and perhaps codependent relationship with Beau Hutton, a rugged up-and-coming country star (played by Garrett Hedlund) and an emerging rivalry with young singer and one-time Texas beauty queen Chiles Stanton (played by Leighton Meester).

In many ways, "Country Strong" echoes the basic premise of 2009's much better "Crazy Heart," for which actor Jeff Bridge earned an Oscar nomination in a somewhat similar role to that played by Gwyneth Paltrow in this film.

Cast of "Country Strong"

The "Country Strong" cast includes Gwyneth Paltrow (as Kelly Canter), Tim McGraw (as Kelly's husband and manager, James Canter), Garrett Hedlund (as Beau Hutton) and Leighton Meister (as Chiles Stanton).

Gwyneth Paltrow, who proved her ability to carry a tune in a recent guest appearance on "Glee," handles her songs capably in the film, as does "Gossip Girl" Leighton Meester. But Garrett Hedlund steals the "Country Strong" show musically with his powerful and deep voice.

Supporting roles in "Country Strong" are handled by Marshall Chapman, Jeremy Childs, Lari White and others.

Resources of "Country Strong"

Originally titled "Love Don't Let Me Down," "Country Strong" was filmed primarily in and around Nashville. The $15 million film was filmed in the first quarter of 2010.

Playing the lead role, actress Gwyneth Paltrow said she sought advice on addiction and recovery from thespian pal Robert Downey, Jr., and others. Writer Shana Feste suggested that the very public debacles of pop princess Britney Spears contributed ideas for the script and content.

Evaluation of "Country Strong"

The fairly predictable and clichéd storyline of "Country Strong," penned and directed by Shana Feste ("The Greatest" and "Jonah"), explores no new territory, despite its tendency to wander even more than the philandering folks displayed in certain scenes.

Frankly, the best part about "Country Strong" is the country music, mostly performed by Garrett Hedlund, who could easily quit his day job (as an actor) to pursue country gigs. This may limit the movie's general appeal. However, country music fans will likely race to the box office to catch this film, if for the concert scenes and soundtrack alone.

Of course, another draw of "Country Strong" is the appearance of country legend Tim McGraw, who quietly emotes himself into strong and sensitive eye candy throughout the film. Tim McGraw displays genuine acting chops in several scenes. Unfortunately, "Country Strong" never lets the most popular and proven country music talent on-board sing a single note.

Wouldn't it have been touching to see Tim McGraw sing a sweet, or even sad, duet with his on-screen wife in "Country Strong"? (The country music legend has recorded multiple chart-topping duets with his real-life wife, Faith Hill. ) Even in a heart-touching musical scene in an early elementary school classroom, Tim McGraw is silenced in "Country Strong."

Expected enthusiasts of "Country Strong"

"Country Strong" is most likely to appeal primarily to country music enthusiasts, although moviegoers who enjoy down-on-one's-luck stories may take interest as well.

However, the 2011 film does not seem destined for classic country music movie status, like "Coal Miner's Daughter," "Sweet Dreams" or "Walk the Line." But then, all three of those Oscar-nominated films were based on real-life country music stars (Loretta Lynn, Patsy Cline and Johnny Cash). Perhaps even an Academy Award and Golden Globe Award winner like Gwyneth Paltrow cannot compete with that.

Notations of "Country Strong"

"Country Strong" is rated PG (parental guidance), as the 117-minute movie contains multiple displays of alcohol and drug abuse and sexual content.

Distributed by Sony Screen Gems, "Country Strong" was released nationwide in the United States in January 2011, after a limited cinematic release in Nashville and Los Angeles in late December 2010.