Review: COUNTRY STRONG

Wings can give you strength and make you fly, or keep you on the ground, if not properly cared for. This is an important element to the storyline that COUNTRY STRONG presents to the audience in each character. The film starts off introducing everyone to this good ol’ boy Beau Hutton (Garrett Hedlund) that just wants to perform his music to folks that want to listen. He possesses an old fashioned sense of right and wrong that is so heartfelt that he almost passes on questionable opportunities that would let him take wing and fly with his music career. But, since music does not pay his bills, we join him at his other occupation where we also are introduced to country super star Kelly Canter (Gwyneth Paltrow). She has broken wings at this point in her life and career, but finds a couple new friends along her way out that she helps and that help her. One of those is Loretta Lynn, not the musician, but named after her for good reason, if you know anything about Ms. Lynn. James Canter (Tim McGraw) is Kelly’s husband/manager that seems to have the benefit of many liberties and privileges because of his powerful roles in this mega star’s life. All of which are made clear in the progress of the story. Early on, we also meet Chiles Stanton (Leighton Meester) small town girl, beauty queen, aspiring star yet to find her wings. All of these characters start to connect in a fairly overplayed, but still heart-wrenching story that possesses charm and authenticity. This is a very sensitive, open, and emotionally surprising film from writer/director Shana Feste.

Garrett Hedlund displays such an earnest portrayal of Beau with his ‘Brad Pitt’ factor. He is showing off those deep hypnotizing looks and bona fide grins while he is singing and strumming across the screen. Gwyneth Paltrow delivers one of the most dynamic performances of her career with the range she displays in her singing, guitar playing, and acting. She truly is one of the finest and most talented actresses of her generation, and deservedly so. Leighton Meester did a fine job as the new girl, not original, but a sweet and fresh approach to a weary role. Tim McGraw is becoming such a fine actor that it is a pleasure to see him getting larger roles, especially since the role of James Canter had quite a variety of affect that he handled with distinction.

Overall Rating 4 out of 5