Talking Pictures

Tony Toscano reviews “Country Strong”

Despite the fact Gwyneth Paltrow can really, really sing, Country Strong isn’t interesting enough to hold an audience’s interest for long. This cliche-ridden soap opera plays out like the lyrics to a 3rd rate country song, which is too predictable and too shallow to be taken seriously.
The film focuses on a young man (Garrett Hedlund) who want’s to sing because he loves to share his songs with “the people.” He meets a recovering alcoholic country superstar (Gwyneth Paltrow) who takes a shine to him and
gives him the chance to perform on her come back tour, much to the concern of her manager / husband played by Tim McGraw. I can’t begin to explain the many pitfalls with this film, but my first problem is why have a film featuring country music and starring Tim McGraw where he doesn’t sing a note?
Then there’s the problem with Paltrow’s superstar character constantly canceling her performances on the “comeback tour,” but the opening acts still go on and the audience never seems to mind. However the concert promoters keep showing up and complaining, but it seems it’s “OK” because everyone “goes way back” and remembers “the old days.”
Also a secondary character, Chiles Stanton, played by Leighton Meester is hired by Tim McGraw’s character after she flubs an audition completely. She proves she just isn’t ready for performing on the road, yet is hired and
becomes a featured act.
Country Strong is a mess and despite decent performances by the cast, it just isn’t worth the ticket price in.
It gets a C- and is rated PG-13 for thematic elements involving alcohol abuse and some sexual content.

Tags: abc4, country strong, CW30, review, talking pictures, Tony Toscano
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