Simply A Masterpiece

A Disappointing Continuation

The plot isn't so bad, but the pace of storytelling is too slow which makes people bored. Certain moments are so obvious and unnecessary for the main plot. I would've fast-forwarded those moments if it was an online streaming. The ending looks like implying a sequel, not sure if this movie will get one

Through painfully honest and emotional moments, the movie becomes irresistibly relatable

Shirlee Kenyon (Dolly Parton) loses her job for talking too much with the dance students. She loves giving advice. She is tired of her small town and her dismissive unemployed boyfriend Steve (Michael Madsen). She packs up for Chicago. She's trying to retrieve $20 she dropped on a bridge when reporter Jack Russell (James Woods) mistakenly jumps in to save her thinking she's trying to jump. She gives Janice (Teri Hatcher) advice which she uses to break up with boyfriend Jack Russell. Next, Shirlee gets a radio station receptionist job. She is mistaken for the new radio talk show doctor that manager Alan Riegert (Griffin Dunne) had hired. Riegert fires both Shirlee and the producer. Her small town charm makes her a big success and Riegert has to rehire her but only if she pretends to be a doctor which the owner demanded.The story is a bit hokey but Dolly Parton has that sweet aw-shucks personality. It works for her. It has her down home charms. The movie has some light fun. It doesn't have big laughs but it's a sweet rom-com.

'Straight Talk' is a passable romantic-comedy, that has fairly entertaining moments. The Performances, especially by, James Woods, is Superb! 'Straight Talk' Synopsis: A woman ditches her small town life for big city Chicago, where she becomes a sensation as a radio show host.'Straight Talk' is an Ideal Lazy Sunday-Afternoon Watch. It's one of those romantic-comedies that delivers fair entertainment. Craig Bolotin's Screenplay is decent, but it could've been tighter. Barnet Kellman's Direction, is above-average. Cinematography, Editng & Art Design, are functional.Performance-Wise: As mentioned, Woods is superb & stands out, like always. Dolly Parton acts & sings well. Griffin Dunne is good. Michael Madsen has a bit role. Others lend support.On the whole, 'Straight Talk' is passable.

As a fan of Dolly's who's grown tired of her over-the-top antics over the last few years, I find myself going back to this film to remind myself of why I liked her all those years ago. Underneath the outrageous clothes and makeup and the outrageous personality, I always felt there was someone a little more down to earth and sweeter than what we get on stage. Well, this movie keeps her out of those terrible clothes and keeps her mouth from going overboard and what comes across is a sweet, gentle, down-to-earth lady who gives the best acting performance of her career. There are times when the movie feels like more of a predictable made-for-TV film than a theatrical release, but there are times of comedy and drama and heartfelt emotions that make it a very sweet feel-good movie. Leaning more towards westerns and war movies, film noir and science fiction, I rarely find this sort of movie appealing. In this case, the entire cast, especially James Woods, does a fine job, and Dolly charms. Holy moley!

An unlikely pair of actors, James Woods and Dolly Parton prove to be well cast, and their performances raise the level of the movie above the limits of the script. Woods is always good, but Dolly Parton is remarkable. Why don't we have more movies with her? This woman is so talented it breaks your heart.Woods is the kind of brainy actor who has worked with so many prestige directors, it only raises my esteem for him that he took on this assignment with Parton. I'd like to believe he recognized the value of Dolly's screen persona and wanted to share in the light she brings to every project.I was thinking that James Woods is the only actor to star opposite both Dolly Parton and Sharon Stone (well, there is one other brand name actor who's done that -- know who?).My hope is that some day Dolly gets re-discovered through a Sundance project. Or maybe Quentin Tarantino will decide to film a ketchup-free love story and give Dolly the break she deserves. Hey, QT, you were born in Tennessee, right? Give Dolly a call...