day 3.30

review: country strong

it's a little bit walk the line. it's a little bit lindsay lohan. it's a lot a bit country strong. gwyneth paltrow's big return to the big screen isn't disappointing, just surprising. paltrow plays kelly canter, a not-quite-rehabed alcoholic country star on her comeback tour. the movie is less about kelly, though, and more about the, er, support (?) system around her. country strong is strongest when the whole ensemble is given the chance to shine through the sometimes over-thought plot. garrett hedlund and leighton meester give movie star-making performances, while tim mcgraw has definitely found his groove as the sometimes controlling, always supportive husband; mcgraw's hairpiece even gives a great performance - surprisingly, the hollywood foreign press completely snubbed the cast for any noms. writer/director shana feste is still finding her footing, so there are some slow parts, and some unnecessary scenes; but, the movie is full of heart and has enough great moments to make you leave wanting more. but don't think you're seeing a feel-good flick; you'll definitely come close to shedding a tear or two if you can hold them back. while the plot is nothing new, the music and performances are, and they're enough to make me say country strong is definitely one to put on your "need-to-see" list.