In one scene of a flick I took in last night at the Grove, a reporter asked one of the characters how he felt about the fact his career was going to change overnight.
Ironic that, because when "Country Strong" (produced by Toby MaGuire) is released next year on January 7th, Garrett Hedlund may find that fate has blessed his career with that very same surge upward into the glare of the heady stratosphere, too.
After all, Hedlund - who appeared with director Shana Feste in person at the sneak preview last evening - has a charismatic screen presence that jumps right out at the filmgoer.
In the role of a hopeful Country & Western Singer - the handsome actor excels - in a performance that is seamless, sexy, and downright magnetic.
Indeed!
The audience has a difficult time taking their eyes off the young stud, who steals every scene he appears in, I dare say.
Gwyneth Paltrow - the lead - fairs pretty well, too, in this refreshing down-to-earth tale about struggling (and established) Western-style pop stars trying to gain (and in the case of Paltrow's character "regain") a foothold in the topsy-turvy carnival-like atmosphere of the achy-breaky realms of Country & Western music.
Paltrow - who has left me hot (playing opposite Michael Douglas in a suspense-thriller) and cold (in the Tannenbaums) on occasion - manages to pull off a star-turn on the inviting Texas terrain here.
In fact, in the shell of a troubled C& W star (on the skids) - fighting to win back her reputation and fans - she holds her own.
Unfortunately, Ms. Paltrow is more Hollywood than Country & Western to the film's overall detriment.
All the supporting players, on the other hand, stand-out in well-crafted fleshed-out characterizations that wink like little gems throughout (not a fake-looking rhinestone in the lot).
Kudos to Leighton Meester and Tim McGraw, for sure, for turning in performances that will undoubtedly result in turning points in their respective careers.
The director - Shana Feste - crafted a tight believable script and capably brought it to life in a celluloid offering that is thoroughly entertaining bill-of-fare.
Her palette is warm, inviting, and yummy to the senses.
The plot twists - with a big focus on the intrigues of the heart - keep the audience fully engaged and on the edge of their seats pining for a satisfying Hollywood-style end.
And, they're not disappointed, in the final analysis.
When the film is released early next year, I expect that Country & Western music fans (and a posse of others) will flock to movie theatres to catch this heart-warming flick.
The sneak preview was sponsored by KIIS FM.
4 stars!
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