From the moment I first read about the production of "Country Strong" I knew I wanted to see it. This is odd considering I'm not a huge fan of Gwyneth Paltrow and it is well documented that I hate country music. However, something about this drew me in.
Once the trailers started airing on TV I grew even more excited. Then Gwyneth appeared on GLEE (read my rave review here) and I started to grow anxious. Could this movie come out already?
Yesterday I went with my usual movie buddy to the Fenway theater and we got great seats. There was a preview for the scary movie "The Roommate" (also starring Leighton Meester) and then a preview that made me question my attendance at this film, a trailer for Justin Bieber's life story which will be called "Never Say Never" and by the way, will be in 3-D. What? Why?
When the movie started I fell in love with it during the first scene. While the press leads you to believe this is a movie where the normally stoic Gwyneth Paltrow tries her hand at being a country singer, it is so much more than that!
The breakout star of this film is Garrett Hedlund, who plays Beau, a man who works in the rehab center where Gwyneth's character, Kelly Canter, is receiving treatment. He also happens to be a singer/songwriter (just like Kelly) and did I mention he is sexy as hell? Friday Night Lights fans, we've found our new Tim Riggins!
Not only does Hedlund ooze sex appeal when he performs on stage, he has gentle, compassionate relationships with both the female leads in the film - Kelly and Chiles (played by Leighton Meester).
Meester, best known as Blair Waldorf on Gossip Girl, plays Chiles Staton, a former beauty queen chasing a country singing career. It was so nice to see Meester play a new role! She was great as the innocent, idolizing, pop star wannabe.
I also want to give a huge shout out to Tim McGraw, who plays Kelly's husband and manager. He convincingly plays the tormented husband wanting his old wife back, while also trying to push her and resuscitate her career. I thought McGraw was great in "The Blind Side" and he elevated his performance here. Bravo!
And now onto Gwyneth. She isn't actually in as much of the movie as you would think from the hype, but her shining moment is during a concert in Dallas, TX where she just kills one song after another. Great costumes, spirited dancing, bold vocals and 100 percent commitment to wow-ing the crowd. I was in awe.
My favorite moment in the entire movie is Hedlund and Meester's performance of a song they wrote together called "Give in to Me." Enjoy:
I would see "Country Strong" ten more times! I hope to own it when it comes out on DVD. It was a truly fantastic film. Plus, now I have a new Hollywood crush: Garrett Hedlund. Holy yum.
Do yourself a favor and go see "Country Strong" this week. I dare you not to fall in love with it.
