Pure Country

The director, Christopher Cain, brings not a hint of irony to any of this -- not even to the Vegas finale in which Dusty is supposed to rescue himself from glitz.

Pure Country is an Elvis movie with a thick country twang.

Pure twaddle.

Singers often make good actors, but Strait's debut performance doesn't measure up to his heartfelt, down-home warbling. It doesn't matter much: Pure Country is pure corn.

Pure Country doesn't have much real drama in it because it`s only a flip of the coin as to how the story is going to turn out. But Strait and newcomer Glasser make solid impressions.

Though this slick-looking paean to down-home values often undercuts its own message, Pure Country is an effective vehicle for amiable country star George Strait.

As directed by Christopher Cain, Strait's first feature will probably not go down as a classic contemporary western nor a great modern musical. But it lopes along pleasantly, and Strait effortlessly makes the crossover into acting.

If it were any cornier or mushier, it would be chowder, but this vehicle for country singer Strait generates a charming sweetness, the music is lively, and both Strait and Glasser are ingratiating new faces.

This is an enjoyable movie for fans of country music, for whom the rich soundtrack should be a delight. And if they happen to have a crush on George Strait, so much the better.

Strait gives an uncertain performance, full of blatantly rehearsed reactions and stoic delivery. It looks like he's reluctant to participate, and you can hardly blame him.