Trailer - Gwyneth Paltrow is 'Country Strong'

Jeff Bridges struck gold with his portrayal of Bad Blake in Crazy Heart, a role that netted him a much-deserved Academy Award. Clearly, Gwyneth Paltrow is hoping to follow in Bridges' footsteps with her portrayal of a washed up, alcoholic country music singer in Country Strong, which is set to hit theaters in December.

Moviefone just released the first trailer for Country Strong. After watching it, I'm not convinced Paltrow should start practicing her acceptance speech just yet.

The movie itself seems like a blatant knockoff of Crazy Heart, which I guess is to be expected in Hollywood these days. But what troubles me about this trailer is that Gwyneth Paltrow seems completely wrong for this role. I don't dislike Paltrow (in fact, I think she is quite good as Pepper Potts in both Iron Man films), but I just don't think she is cut out to play this part.

For starters, her Southern accent is completely awful. More importantly though, I just don't think it will be believable - her voice isn't strong enough to convincingly pull off the songs and she doesn't have the right type of personality or natural charisma to embody a country music superstar. (Whether you like her or not, I think we can all agree that she doesn't exactly come across as the life of the party.)

Bridges was able to embody Bad Blake and make you forgot you were watching a performance. From this trailer, that is definitely not the case with Paltrow. I could be wrong, but I just don't see this one working.

Comments

[Tjei]

Maybe it's a start of a new trend of girl knock offs.

[hope]

I'm southern, and you're right. Her accent is atrocious. She doesn't have a strong stage presence, and her voice is passable at best. I just don't see anyone buying her as a country music star. Stick with that pseudo-shy/ice queen thing that you normally go with Ms. Paltrow.

[Rachelle]

it's a movie where people will perodically break out in song...damn, under my own rukes I guess i'm going to have to see it now .