Background & Production

Country Crush (2017) is a Canadian-made country musical romance directed by Andrew Cymek. It was produced on a modest budget by Good Soldier Films and partners, and filmed in rural Ontario, Canada​. The project brought together an eclectic cast: country singer Jana Kramer, newcomer Madeline Merlo (2015 CCMA Rising Star award winner)​, actor Munro Chambers (of Degrassi fame), and Sophie Tweed-Simmons (from Gene Simmons: Family Jewels). Cymek, known previously for indie horror and holiday films, pivoted to a wholesome musical format with Country Crush, aiming to create a “heartfelt musical filled with soulful country songs, enchanting romance and the power of following one’s dreams”. The film’s development focused on blending a traditional love story with original country-pop music, recorded in Nashville for authenticity. Released direct-to-video by Shout! Factory in March 2017 (exclusively through Walmart at launch)​, Country Crush set out to carve a niche in the country music/romance genre – a space relatively unexplored compared to typical Hollywood musicals or Hallmark romances.

Plot Summary

The story follows Nancy Taylor (Madeline Merlo), an aspiring country singer from the city, and Charlie Bishop (Munro Chambers), a small-town mechanic with big dreams. When Nancy and her best friend Ainsley (Sophie Simmons) take a road trip out to the country, fate intervenes – their car breaks down and the good-natured Charlie stops to help​. Sparks fly instantly between Nancy and Charlie, despite Nancy already having a boyfriend named Bradley who doubles as her music producer. Charlie, meanwhile, has family responsibilities weighing on him: his older brother Cody (Kevin McGarry) has just deployed for another tour of duty, leaving behind his wife Katherine (Jana Kramer) and young son. Charlie has shelved his own ambition of becoming an engineer to support the family garage after the death of their parents​, so Nancy’s arrival is a welcome brightness in his life.

As Nancy and Charlie grow closer during her stay, Nancy faces a classic dilemma – pursue the budding romance or return to the city to chase her musical dreams under the guidance of her slick, opportunistic producer. Tension builds when Bradley (her producer boyfriend) tries to pull Nancy back to her career, causing Charlie to question if their connection can survive Nancy’s ambitions​. In parallel, Katherine and Charlie receive devastating news that Cody has been killed in action – a tragedy that shocks the small community. This loss tests the characters’ resolve: Charlie and Katherine lean on each other as family, and Nancy must decide where her heart truly lies when she sees the depth of Charlie’s loyalty and pain. Ultimately, Nancy is forced to choose between the allure of stardom and the value of love and community. The finale finds the characters honoring duty and family while following their passions – Charlie comes to realize “the importance of staying true to oneself”, and Nancy strives to have both a career and a life with those she loves. The narrative weaves romance and heartbreak, using musical numbers to express everything from joy to sorrow as the couple navigates interfering producers, personal sacrifice, and the hope of a life together.

Cast & Performances

Country Crush assembles a distinctive cast, each contributing to the film’s earnest charm. Madeline Merlo makes her acting debut as Nancy, effectively portraying an ingénue chasing her big break. While Merlo admittedly felt “out of [her] element” stepping into acting​, her natural musical talent shines through. She delivers on the performance scenes with a strong voice and genuine emotion, especially during Nancy’s heartfelt ballads. Opposite her, Munro Chambers brings a likable, down-to-earth quality to Charlie. Chambers – better known for teen drama roles – proves a solid romantic lead; he shares a sweet chemistry with Merlo and even holds his own in several duet songs. Together, they sell the fairy-tale notion of a city girl and country boy falling swiftly in love.

In the supporting cast, Jana Kramer stands out as Katherine. A country artist herself, Kramer lends authenticity and gravitas to the role of a young wife coping with her husband’s deployment. She’s the most seasoned actor of the group, and it shows – her emotional scenes (especially dealing with loss) are genuinely affecting, and her musical duet with Kevin McGarry’s Cody adds a touching layer to their characters’ relationship. Kevin McGarry, though in a smaller role as Cody, makes an impression as the honorable soldier; he even partakes in an upbeat brotherly number with Chambers early on, showcasing a warm fraternal bond before tragedy strikes. Sophie Tweed-Simmons brings a fun spark as Ainsley, the best friend who encourages Nancy’s adventurous side. Though her role is mainly to support the leads, she has a playful presence and even joins in the singing during group numbers, proving game for the musical format.

On the antagonistic side, the actor portraying Nancy’s producer boyfriend (Jacob Blair as Bradley) nails the “slimy music business guy” archetype​. He exudes just enough charm and smarm to believably tempt Nancy toward fame while drawing the ire of protective Charlie. The film doesn’t give the villain much depth, but in a simple morality tale like this, his one-note performance serves its purpose. Overall, the cast’s performances are earnest and sincere. Even if some line deliveries feel a bit hokey or on-the-nose (in tune with the film’s unabashedly sentimental script), the actors fully commit. Their enthusiasm, especially during the musical sequences, helps elevate the familiar storyline into an enjoyable, family-friendly ensemble piece.

Cinematography & Direction

Andrew Cymek’s direction of Country Crush leans into the musical’s gentle, homespun vibe. The film often plays out “like a giant country music video”, with long takes and straightforward editing that give the performers room to sing their hearts out​. Cinematographer Joshua Fraiman captures the warm, golden-hued beauty of the countryside – sun-dappled farm roads, cozy barns, and open fields at dusk provide a fitting backdrop for this romance. The color palette and lighting are inviting, reinforcing the themes of home and heartland. During musical scenes, the camera work remains steady and unfussy, focusing on the singers rather than flashy visuals. This “sedate” editing choice allows the audience to enjoy the melodies and lyrics without quick cuts or distraction​. It’s a conscious throwback to classic film musicals where the spectacle comes from the talent and emotion on screen, not frenetic MTV-style editing.

Despite the simplicity, there are a few moments of visual flair. One standout sequence is the “Jaded Woman” number, staged at a country bar dance where the filmmakers incorporate line dancing and a lively crowd. In this scene, multiple dancers (credited as “Jaded Woman Dancers”) fill the floor, and the energy picks up with dynamic choreography and foot-tapping rhythm. It’s a fun nod to the line-dance tradition, and the camera widens to take in the coordinated moves, giving the film a brief burst of kinetic excitement. In contrast, intimate duets like Nancy and Charlie’s “What If I Am” are shot more tenderly – often two characters singing softly under string lights or on a quiet porch, the camera drawing closer to capture longing glances. Cymek balances these tones fairly well, transitioning from exuberant musical interludes to quiet dramatic scenes without losing the film’s gentle, earnest mood.

That said, the direction isn’t without flaws. The film’s pacing, at 96 minutes, is brisk – sometimes to a fault. Serious developments (such as Cody’s fate) come abruptly, and the aftermath is resolved quickly through a song or two, which some viewers felt left the heavier plot elements underdeveloped​. The tonal shift from light romance to sudden tragedy can feel jarring, though the intent is to add depth to an otherwise straightforward love story. Technically, the production quality is on par with a made-for-TV movie: competent but not lavish. There are minimal locations (mostly the farm, a diner, a small recording studio set), and the staging is functional. Yet, within these constraints, Cymek’s direction succeeds in delivering a clear, family-friendly story. He keeps the focus squarely on the core messages of Country Crush: stay true to yourself, cherish your loved ones, and follow your dreams – all conveyed with a sincere (if simplistic) storytelling style.

Reception & Legacy

Upon release, Country Crush flew under the radar of mainstream critics, receiving no official Rotten Tomatoes score (0 critic reviews) and only a handful of user ratings​. As a direct-to-video/DVD release, it didn’t have a theatrical run or wide press coverage. However, among its target audience – fans of country music and wholesome romances – the film earned a warm if modest reception. Family-oriented blogs praised it as “a great family film filled with amazing country music” that “makes you laugh, cry and smile”. Viewers who approached it on its own terms appreciated the catchy soundtrack and earnest tone. The original songs, featuring pop-country ballads and upbeat tunes, were a highlight for many; some tracks like “Crush” (performed by Merlo) and “One and Only You” (a duet by Kramer and McGarry) resonated with fans of the genre. The soundtrack even saw a digital release, allowing country music aficionados to enjoy the numbers outside the film​.

That said, not everyone was charmed. In broader audiences, Country Crush garnered a more mixed reaction. Some found the film unabashedly corny and predictable, noting that its dialogue and plot are “rather hokey”. Viewers unaccustomed to musical storytelling occasionally cringed at the spontaneous singing (“it is still so jarring when they start to sing… I’ll never be over it,” one bemused commenter quipped​. For those without a sweet tooth for Hallmark-style romance, the film’s sincere approach verged on melodrama – especially with the tragic soldier subplot thrown in. A few tongue-in-cheek reviews even circulated online, playfully poking fun at the film’s earnestness and low-budget quirks (one ironic reviewer humorously hailed it as “an absolute masterclass in filmmaking”, citing moments like a character fixing a car only to have it break down again as unintentionally comedic​. Despite these jests, such reactions underscore that Country Crush didn’t leave a significant mark on the general film landscape.

In terms of legacy, Country Crush remains a niche title within the country romance subgenre. It did not spawn sequels or copycats, but it stands as a curious attempt to fuse the musical format with country culture. The film did bolster the profiles of its stars in small ways: Madeline Merlo gained exposure to movie audiences and continued to focus on her music career, and Jana Kramer went on to star in more TV movies and continue her singing. Kevin McGarry’s participation was a footnote just before his rise in popular TV dramas and Hallmark movies. For director Andrew Cymek, the movie reinforced his versatility and opened the door to further family-friendly projects he’d tackle in subsequent years. Nowadays, Country Crush finds its modest afterlife on streaming platforms (it’s available on services like Peacock), where curious viewers or country music fans might stumble upon it. While it didn’t revolutionize the genre, the film has a gentle staying power as a feel-good musical oddity – one that will be remembered, by those who do remember it, for its heartfelt songs and unabashed devotion to love, country, and family.

Final Verdict

Country Crush is a sincere, down-home musical that wears its heart on its flannel sleeve. It delivers exactly what its tagline promises – “For love. For country. For family.” – wrapping a simple love story in a tapestry of country-pop songs and small-town values. The film’s strengths lie in its earnest performances and toe-tapping soundtrack; if you’re a fan of country music or wholesome romances, you’ll likely find yourself humming along and appreciating the feel-good vibes. Madeline Merlo and Munro Chambers make a cute couple with enough chemistry to sell the fairy tale, and Jana Kramer’s soulful presence adds a touch of polish. The narrative hits familiar beats of the genre, from love-at-first-sight to choosing between career and heart, with an added dose of melodrama in the form of a military tragedy. It’s predictable and a bit on the nose, but there’s an undeniable charm in the way Country Crush commits to its nostalgic, hopeful tone.

However, those seeking edgy drama or high-budget spectacle won’t find it here – the cinematography is plain but pleasant, and the plot never strays from a safe, tried-and-true path. The movie can at times feel like a patchwork of country music cliches, and its attempts at profundity (themes of duty, loss, staying true to oneself) are handled in a simplistic manner. Yet, criticizing Country Crush for being exactly what it set out to be might miss the point. This is a film engineered for a specific audience: viewers who want a light, heartwarming escape, complete with love songs, heartfelt duets, and a reassuring happy ending. In that mission, it largely succeeds.

In the style of a Screen Rant take – Country Crush is not going to convert any musical skeptics or win awards, but it entertains on its own humble terms. Its earnest blend of romance and melody offers a comforting throwback to simpler stories where good people persevere and dreams come true. If you can embrace the film’s unabashed sentimentality and occasional cheese, you’ll be rewarded with a pleasant, family-friendly musical journey. In the end, Country Crush stands as a sweet little love letter to country music and small-town love – a movie that hums along amiably, even if it never quite hits a truly daring note.