The number one reason I wanted to see this movie is because about half of it is filmed in Nashville. (Big promo for The Stage). Also, I like Gwyneth. So, I went in with low to moderate expectations, and was mostly pleased as a result. The previews don't accurately tell you what it's about (who is having relationships with who,etc) and I don't want to spoil it. But all in all, I liked it. It wasn't what I expected, and it was a lot more like Crazy Heart than I would have guessed. I think Tim McGraw is shaping up to be a fine actor, and Gwen gives a decent performance (not even close to her best, though). Leighton Meester was pretty good in it, but I did not like the young guy, Garrett Hedlund.
After giving it some thought, I realized there were some ways this good movie could have been a great movie. One, get rid of Hedlund entirely. Aside from his fantastic voice, he offered nothing to the story, if anything he watered it down and made it emotionally detached from the viewer. Also, Leighton Meester's fat chin just kept staring at me throughout the entire movie: distracting. But, leave those two things out and it's probably worth a matinee price, if you're interested in it, otherwise just watch Crazy Heart. It has better music, better acting, and a better story. Note, I did enjoy the music in the movie, but it's all country pop.... Also, note, if you don't like country music, don't see this movie.
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-Emily
