This is the sad story of an alcoholic former country music star trying to make a comeback and being pushed too hard by her husband/manager, starring Gwyneth Paltrow, and Tim McGraw. Apparently Leighton Meester who played one of the supporting roles - as the up and comer in the movie story - is becoming a big star these days in real life too - moving over from tv to movies. My personal favourite was the younger singer Garrett Hedlund - who has the role of being Gwyneth's support system and down home country boy. It is a bit of a popcorn flick. What I call a rental. It is not terrible, just not overly engaging. Gwyneth has to be pretty dramatic and has to cry alot - and there's a lot of mascara running down - she's a pretty good cryer but it felt like she was acting, not really the character. It made me think of Walk the Line and how Joaquin Phoenix and Reese Witherspoon drew you in and really blew you away. This was not like that. It was kinda funny seeing Tim McGraw as an actor, when he is actually the country music star! ha. Good tunes though. Loved that part best. Since Mary & I want to try and see as many Oscar nominated films as possible, they were nominated in the best song category!
- IMDB link: Movie Review – Country Strong by Julie
- Rating: ***½
