Straight Talk

Straight Talk casts Dolly Parton as Shirlee Kenyon, an affable small-town girl who makes the impulsive decision to leave her lazy boyfriend (Michael Madsen’s Steve) and head for the comparative glitz and glamor of Chicago. Once there, however, Shirlee discovers that opportunities are hardly as plentiful as she might have hoped (and expected) – with the never-say-die character’s luck taking a turn for the better after she’s accidentally placed on the radio as a radio-show host. Problems inevitably ensue as an intrepid reporter (James Woods’ Jack Russell) becomes suspicious of Shirlee’s qualifications, though it’s not long before the two disparate characters find themselves falling for one another. Straight Talk undoubtedly fares best in its breezy first half, as filmmaker Barnet Kellman has infused the proceedings with a lighthearted and completely watchable vibe that’s generally difficult to resist. Parton’s charismatic (if one-note) turn as the central character goes a long way towards initially capturing the viewer’s interest, and the casting of Woods as a romantic lead certainly holds appeal purely as an out-of-the-box novelty. (It is, however, hard to deny the distinct lack of chemistry between the two actors). The progressively formulaic storyline, coupled with a palpable spinning-its-wheels narrative, ensures that one’s interest steadily wanes in the buildup to the predictably upbeat conclusion, which confirms Straight Talk‘s place as an agreeable yet hopelessly forgettable little romcom.

** out of ****