‘Country Strong’: can Gwyneth Paltrow really sing?

This week’s big movie opening is a back-stage country music drama called “Country Strong.” It stars Gwyneth Paltrow as hugely popular country singer named Kelly Cantor. Kelly is battling alcoholism, competition from a younger singer, low self esteem, and a fractured relationship with her husband and manager played by Tim McGraw. The big question, of course, is: Does Paltrow give a convincing performance as a country music star? And for that matter, is it ever a good idea for actors to sing in their movies?

Rafer Guzman, film critic for Newsday says all of the actor’s pull off their songs fine, it might be the writer/director of the film that needs a little help. Takeaway producer Kristen Meinzer isn’t so sure actors need to be testing out their singing ability for the big screen, unless they’re really up to the challenge.