This summer, I read a little book called The Help. I'm sure many of you have heard about it, but what you may not know is that's its based right here in Mississippi- Jackson in the 1960's, to be precise. And a good Ole Miss girl is one of its heroines. Now, if you know anything at all about Southern history, you know this was a turbulent time for the Deep South. But good times, bad times, this is my home. The book made me laugh with all its Heart of Dixie references, and I cried like a little girl at the deep relationships, strife, and courage this book is all about.
Well, they've made it a movie(and yes, it was filmed in Mississippi, too).
And last night I watched the first trailer for it. And all over again, got chillbumps and tears in my eyes.
I don't want to spoil it for you, but do yourself a favor, and see for yourself here.
On the last day of our snoweekend, some girlfriends and I snuck away to the theater to see Country Strong, preparing ourselves to applaud Gwyneth, be jealous of Leighton, and listen to some good ole southern-style country music.
Well, we should have prepared ourselves more.
Gwyneth Paltrow was above and beyond fantastically talented, both dark and beautiful. Leighton Meester was not only enviable but a surprisingly (super) talented country singer. Garrett Hedlund's voice literally made me melt, (which made him get cuter and cuter throughout the movie), and Tim McGraw stripped away all stereotypes of himself and played a brand new role.
The first thing I did upon arriving home was download the entire soundtrack (and I'm not even that huge of a country music fan... shhh don't tell the neighbors). I went expecting a feel good chick flick, and came out with something much different and a new favorite movie. A great movie set in the South, and no where along the way will you find any mention of high school football, poverty, or hear a cheesy accent. It's all about glitz and glam with cowboy boots and a southern drawl.
And if you're from the South, get ready to smile as you see some of your favorite Nashville, Dallas, and
Houston hot spots.
Now go ahead and press play right below here to listen to my favorite song from the whole film. You'll love it too, promise.
