Netflix This: ‘Country Strong’

Even though Country Strong only has 22% approval on the Internet’s collection of respected film critics, Rotten Tomatoes, I actually thought the 2010 film was well worth the view. I am not a country music fan, but the film has a solid soundtrack that doesn’t force the viewer to ingest too much country, and uses each performance to say something about the characters performing them. The characters are extremely flawed and developed quite nicely, the performances are extraordinary, and the oftentimes predictable story was ripe with drama.

Gwyneth Paltrow plays Kelly Canter, a recovering alcoholic trying to continue a superstar country career with the guidance of her manager/husband played by Tim McGraw. She leaves her treatment too early in order to resurrect her public image and kick off a big tour. Her marriage is on the rocks, her mind is fragile with her alcoholism pending on bad moments in her life, and her on-stage performances suffer from her huge problems. The film also features the typical budding love story between up and coming country stars played by Leighton Meester and Garrett Hedlund (Tron).

Watching this movie feels eerily similar to the late life of Amy Winehouse. Kelly Canter is hammer drunk on stage more than once and has destructive behavior a bunch of other times throughout the movie. Early on, watching her selfish, drunken, and cruel demeanor makes this character hard to swallow. However, the flawed character is the force that propels Country Strong to the finish line.

As the movie progressed, Canter figures out some of her problems and has some really nice moments, but still struggles to live her life every day. The scene pictured above is an example of one the film’s heartwarming moments which leads to a concert in Dallas that brings down the house. The crowd is left chanting Canter’s name as she walks off stage walking by Meester saying, “That’s how it’s done sweetheart.”

The strong performances, the solid story, and the amazing crescendo make Country Strong a movie any film fanatic could enjoy — especially those who are fans of country music.

Netfilx This: Country Strong

Follow Matthew on Twitter: @matthewdeery