“Country Strong", surprisingly a good film even if you don't happen to like country music. Starring Gwyneth Paltrow (Iron Man), Tim McGraw (The Blind Side), Garrett Hedlund (TRON: Legacy) and Leighton Meester (Gossip Girl), "Country Strong" succeeds in doing exactly what it sets out to do; that is make a good dramatic film about country music that is also entertaining. And, oh yeah, Gwyneth Paltrow can sing.. This is a story that follows fallen country music superstar Kelly Canter (Paltrow) after she is released from rehab and attempts a comeback concert tour. There is also another, and all around better, storyline that follows the rise of two up and coming country music artists Beau Hutton and Chiles Stanton (Hedlund and Meester), as they try to find out what path to take through the harsh and unforgiving world of the country music industry.

Yes, "Country Strong" is somewhat predictable and yes, it does lag a bit in the middle of the film, but it does redeem itself with a vengeance in the final 30 minutes of the film. The storyline is confusing at times but acceptable, the character development is okay and the acting (including the singing), for the most part, is excellent. Paltrow delivers, not only vocally, but also as the fragile, disillusioned singer. Kelly is a woman who was strong once upon a time, but the constant pressure and relentless lifestyle have taken their toll. Now she’s a woman with a troubled marriage who has become lost in a sea of booze and bad breaks. But, unequivocally the actor to take note of in this film is Hedlund, who steals the show with his performance of as an up-and-coming young country singer and songwriter. His chemistry on screen with just about everyone including the microphone is so authentic, that whenever he is on-screen he literally makes the movie better.
Final Thought: "Country Strong" is currently getting raked through the coals by the critics for its simplistic storyline, but let me tell you this: anyone who is a fan of Country music will love this film if for no other reason, the music and the soundtrack.. And even if the Country twang is not your bang, this is a strong enough drama to keep you in your seat. This is no "Crazy Heart”, but "Country Strong" is still entertaining enough for me to recommend it.