Country Strong (2010)

Some movies seem to have it all, from a strong cast to a captivating story, with all the crucial elements in between. Once in a while, a flick comes along that has all that and more. Country Strong proves beyond a shadow of a doubt that it is indeed one of those movies.

Country Strong, the 2010 release from relative newcomer writer/director Shana Feste, is the story of troubled Nashville superstar Kelly Canter. After being released early from rehab, Kelly is pushed into an ambitious comeback tour by her overachieving husband/manager, James. Along for the tour are budding stars Beau Hutton, Kelly's not-so-secret lover, and Chiles Stanton, a former pageant queen.

Although preconceived notions about the actors or a solid distaste for twangy country tunes surely have some brushing off this flick as pure fluff — or even worse, giving it the dreaded "chick flick" label — Country Strong is so much more than it appears to be. It's about more than just country music; it's about life and all the complicated, messy, painful and awful things human existence sometimes brings.

Gwyneth Paltrow takes centre stage as the troubled Kelly, and if her past performances have caused any doubt about her acting abilities, this film will quickly quell any doubts. Paltrow gives the performance of a career in taking on the complicated character, portraying nearly manic emotional swings and complete breakdowns with unquestionable conviction.

Standing beside her though thick and thin in the film is Tim McGraw, who proves that singing is not his only talent. McGraw gives what can only be described as a complete performance, drawing the viewer into his character so wholly that no question of authenticity remains.

A somewhat surprising strength of Country Strong is Leighton Meester as the young Chiles Stanton, a former beauty queen with aspirations of fame. Meester proves that the only thing she can do better than play a serious dramatic role is sing. The vocals provided by Meester are heart wrenching and beautiful at the same time, solidly earning her a place on screen with country legend McGraw.

Equally impressive for both his acting and singing is Garrett Hedlund, playing good old boy Beau. Whether singing on his own or performing powerful duets with Meester, Hedlund's songs leave a lasting impression of beauty.

Country Strong has heart and, more importantly, soul. The flick shows us that life is not black and white, as Hollywood would so often make it appear, you don't always get what you want, and that not all resolutions are joyous. Country Strong offers a glimpse of what life is really like and somehow manages to keep the audience from feeling utterly hopeless each time Kelly is faced with the next problem in a seemingly endless string of setbacks.

Truth, beauty and hope are presented to us juxtaposed with the dualities of country music, from happy to heartbroken. Whether it seems like your thing or not, Country Strong is absolutely worth your time.

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars