Country Strong Review
This is the story about Kelly Cantor (Gwyneth Paltrow), a country star who struggles with alcohol and drug abuse. After a year of rehab, Kelly attempts her long awaited comeback tour, lead by her husband and manger James (Tim McCraw). She’s also accompanied on the tour by two young rising country singers and songwriters; the handsome Beau (Garrett Hedlund) and beauty queen Chiles (Leighton Meester). Now Kelly not only has to handle her struggles with drugs and alcohol, she has to gain the courage to sing again, deal with young, emerging country singers, and cope with personnel issues as well.
Rating: Three out of five buckets
Release Date: April 12, 2011
MPAA Rating: PG13
Best Age Group: Adults
Sexual Content: Excessive
Violent Content: Excessive
Crude or Profane Language: Moderate
Drugs and Alcohol Content: Excessive
Talking Points:
Teenagers may be intrigued by the movie because of familiar actors such as Gwyneth Paltrow, who was recently on “Glee”, Leighton Meester from “Gossip Girls,” and Garrett Hedlund from “Tron.” However, with intense subject matter and disturbing scenes, I don’t recommend this movie for kids.
I loved the movie, music and the main characters. In one scene Beau (who I especially liked) says he wants to sing in a bar for hardworking people, who enjoy music and beer.
This is an emotional movie about love and relationships. A year before Kelly was in rehab, she was five months pregnant, and so drunk during a concert in Dallas, that she fell, resulting in a miscarriage. This is a focal point in the movie, one in which Kelly and her husband struggle with, you feel their pain and loss throughout the movie.
Kelly gives the young country singers, Beau and Chiles, advice about love. She says, “Don’t be afraid of love, it’s the only thing that matters in life.” Throughout the movie Kelly continually says, “Love and fame can’t live in the same place-choose love.”
Kelly visits a terminally ill boy’s classroom, for a Make-A-Wish request. This was one of my favorites scenes. During this scene we see Kelly’s stunning musical talent as she sings and dances with the boy, it’s a very sweet and emotional scene.
Sexual Content: Excessive
There are many sexual scenes and references in the movie:
- Though Kelly is married she sleeps Beau, she also attempts to sleep with a promoter, so he won’t cancel her tour.
- Beau sleeps with Kelly and Chiles.
- Chiles is seen in her bra and panties, as she and Beau have a “swimsuit competition.”
Violent/Disturbing Content: Excessive
- There are many disturbing scenes as we see Kelly sloppy drunk. In one scene Beau grabs a bottle of alcohol out her hand, and smashes it against the wall.
- Kelly receives a bloody doll with a cruel note, before a concert.
- There are some punches and fights with the main characters.
Profanity: Moderate, fine for a PG13 movie.
I really liked this movie. I loved the music, actors and the storyline. However, I feel the subject matter is too intense and disturbing for kids and teenagers. I don’t recommend this movie for kids, it’s a movie that adults may enjoy.
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