Coração de Cowboy

In the old days of the studio system a man like George Strait would have been given a Hollywood contract and put into westerns. That's how it worked for a number of people on the country circuit, most prominently Gene Autry and Roy Rogers. But westerns aren't being done, certainly none for singing cowboys. In a few years George Strait would have handled dialog like a veteran.

Strait's a likable enough guy, but as an actor he's a great country singer. Still he passes muster in a role that's not too taxing, playing a country singer who takes an unscheduled hiatus from his tour and finds true love with a young woman who is the daughter of struggling rancher Rory Calhoun.

Strait's not happy with the way his career is going. It's all about the glitz and glamor of the concert, no one's listening to him sing any more. So he ditches the long hair in a ponytail and beard and just leaves. Manager Lesley Ann Warren seeing all kinds of tour dates canceled with the loss in money, shoves one of the roadies and would be country singer himself and her special boy toy Kyle Chandler in front of the microphone to complete the tour. In the darkened smoke filled concerts with a tape going of the real Strait no one can tell the difference.

In the meantime Strait's falling for Isabel Glasser and gets involved with her family ranch and their real struggles in real life. I think you get some idea where this is going.

This film was the farewell big screen performance of Rory Calhoun and I have to say, I had to look twice even though I saw his name in the credits when I realized he was playing Isabel Glasser's father. He looked terrible, like he had gone through some bad health issues.

For country fans you'll have a full soundtrack of George Strait's hits and he's a great singer. It's the main asset of Pure Country.

George Strait -- in his only film role to date -- is a country-western musician who's burnt out with the never-ending play dates, the high production values that obscure the music, so he goes on walkabout, while manager Lesley Ann Warren pulls in another singer to front the band because the show must go on, and she doesn't want to return the ticket money.

Strait is unsurprisingly good playing a character very close to his own. The point of the movie, of course, is the songs he performs, and there are ten of them, often performed with the laser lights and artificial smoke in show venues, and his back-up band in the movie is the one he performs with. It's just the right mix of story to put in a concert film.

Somehow I happened to see this movie in a real theatre. I'd never heard of George Strait and I am not a country music fan. But this movie works. I first bought it in VHS and then on DVD (go for DVD, the sound is great).

This is a simple story of a famous country singer who goes underground because while he has everything, he really has nothing. He gets drunk and ends up on the shrinking ranch of a beautiful cowgirl. He stays anonymous and gets back in touch with the world. Meanwhile the s**t hits the fan with his touring show. The plot has to do some twisting to work all this out but the basic appeal of the film, a good man getting back in touch with what's real, has universal appeal.

You may find yourself wanting to watch this movie about once a year. I know I do. Highly recommended.

This is quite simply a movie that will be enjoyed by country music fans. Pure Country is a throw-back type of a picture. Simply put, there's nothing to take away from this film. It either makes you feel good, or you don't like country music. If you DO like country, then sit back and enjoy, as this film is NOT meant to be taken seriously.

George Strait stars in this film about a musician who is at a crossroads. As his career has become bigger, the less control he has over himself. In a moment of clarity, he decides to "take a walk" to find himself, leading to a better understanding of himself, as well as his finding and falling for a girl.

This film holds no surprises and it doesn't try to. It simply tries to entertain, and that it does, at least for a George Strait fan.

True, the acting leaves MUCH to be desired. But honestly, if you are watching this film, the LAST thing that you are thinking about is Oscar winning performances.

This film is a throwback to the days of yesteryear and the singing cowboy. No one took those films seriously, and neither should anyone take this one seriously either. Just sit back and enjoy.

Whether you are a fan of country music like I am or not, if you don't enjoy this movie or the story it tells, there's something wrong with you! We need more movies like this one. A man is looking for more simplicity and for love in his life which is something we should all strive for. There are too many movies focused on the hip hop culture today. There are so many country fans out there that would love to see more movies like this one. George Strait did an excellent job as did the rest of the cast. It's topped off with an incredible song, 'Cross My Heart' The soundtrack is also a winner. If you have not seen this, be sure to check it out soon!