Movie Review: Country Strong

I don't do this often; but I saw the movie "Country Strong" last night with my mom, sister, and a few friends and decided... Why not give her an ole review for the blog?

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So here you have it...

First, a summary from the movie website: (because why re-invent the wheel?)

Soon after a rising young singer-songwriter (Hedlund) gets involved with a fallen, emotionally unstable country star (Paltrow), the pair embarks on a career resurrection tour helmed by her husband/manager (McGraw) and featuring a beauty-queen-turned-singer (Meester).  Between concerts, romantic entanglements and old demons threaten to derail them all.


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Ok, to start, let me say... BEAUTIFUL cast and GREAT music!!

I love Gweneth Paltrow - think she has a natural beauty we don't see in Hollywood that much anymore - and Leighton Meester looks like a little porcelain doll, in a good way.  Tim McGraw's character wasn't the hottest thing ever, but his character stole my heart all the same.  And, newbie - at least to me - Garrett Hedlund, made me blush most of the movie. 

And, while I admit I'm a sucker for sappy country music and a good "performance", the music MADE the movie. Plus, all the actors did their own vocals, which was pretty impressive. (Kathryn laughed at me the whole movie because she says I "act like I'm actually at the concerts."  I get sooo into it and have to hold back my applause at the end of each number.) I probably won't buy this when it comes out on DVD, but I'm planning to download the soundtrack TODAY.

The story line was good --- kind-of reminded me of a female version of "Walk the Line."  And, my sister claims that Paltrow's character was based off of Britney Spears.  This revelation added a whole new element to the plot for me.

But, I wasn't prepared for how SAD it was going to be.  (You need to prepare pregnant women for these sort of things!)  At points, I was literally sobbing -- sometimes it was appropriate, sometimes it was just hormones -- and my body physically ached when it was over.  Not exactly a lifter-upper.  (BUT, I will say, at least they made Gweneth Paltrow look like a real person when she cried... She was a HOT mess!  In fact, I even felt kind-of good about my own crying appearance.)

Overall, I'm glad I saw it.  The clothes alone made it fun to watch.  And, honestly, I don't know if the concert scenes etc. would have been as good off the big screen.  If you don't mind shedding a few (or, in my case, many) tears, then go see it.  Otherwise, save it for a girls' night with a box of tissues and your dancin' shoes when it comes out in Redbox. 

Anyone else seen it?  What did you think?  What other good movies are out now?  I'm always looking for a good excuse to eat popcorn. ;)