Movie Review, Pure Country 2: The Gift
George Strait and Katrina Elam

by Holly Marie Tong

“With any great gift comes the great responsibility of maintaining one's integrity.” This simple but crucial truth proves to be the theme and the ultimate message of Pure Country 2, giving it a positive disposition as a spiritual and family friendly movie. With a wholesome storyline and a good hearted direction, the writing in itself is to be commended as these types of movies are a rare find today. The movie presents the common story that we so often see here in music city, making it not only identifiable for aspiring artists, but it also serves as a reminder to treat your gifts and other people with respect. While George Strait does make a few brief appearances in this movie, it is quite different from Pure Country 1 in the approach it takes.

Talented country singer/songwriter Katrina Elam who entered the country music scene in 2004 charting three different singles appropriately stars as Bobbie Thomas. With angelic vocals and a real-life gift, she plays her role very convincingly showing that she is a true multi-talent. Bobbie, whose mother passed away after giving birth to her, was generously raised by the respectable and pure hearted Ella (Jackie Welch), a loving black woman who is understandably Bobbie's rock and consistent advisor. Ella knew that Bobbie was special from birth as she was given the gift of voice from three angels (Bronson Pinchot, Cheech Marin and Michael McKean). As just a little girl, Bobbie's heaven sent voice is excelling in the church choir and her gift is obvious to all who know her. However, Bobbie will be required to use this gift correctly.

As a true to life story often goes, Bobbie finds herself restless in the small town, unhappy with an unfulfilling boyfriend and big dreams that need chasing. She decides it is time to take the plunge and move to Nashville and hops on the greyhound bus with the little money she has assuring Ella that she will find a job when she gets there. Before she goes though, Ella wants her to remember the important principles that she has instilled in her “Never lie, always be fair and never break a promise.”

Bobbie quickly learns that dreaming is much easier than doing as she arrives in Nashville struggling to find a job let alone a place to sleep. She does finally land a job at a local Sushi restaurant. However, the manager specifically asks her if she's a singer to which she answers “no.” Uh oh, rule #1 is already broken as she has compromised by telling a lie. Her lie originally appears to not have any negative consequences as she is working and realizes that her co-workers just happen to be an aspiring band themselves. They all begin working together and even the manager of the restaurant softens his heart towards their music dreams and amazingly decides to become their band manager. Soon after, Elam is discovered, earns her record deal that she has always dreamed of and finds herself working with a shady but well connected agent. Shady yes, but he's making her dreams come true and Bobbie continues to obey his plans for her. Sadly, he convinces her to dump her band….the band that was by her side in her endeavors, struggles and growth. The angels are rightfully disappointed as they watch Bobbie break rule #2 - always be fair.


Even with all the rule breaking, everything appears to be running undeniably smooth as she finds herself at the top of the charts and performing at sold out shows alongside the king of country music himself. To top it all off, she hand picks the exact cowboy model (Travis Fimmel) she wants for her video shoot. This handsome cowboy just happens to be a guy that she had previously met and was intrigued by. It is clear that sparks exist between the two and that love is in the air. An unexpected twist occurs when Bobbie is on a talk show and her long lost father appears to meet her for the very first time. She had always thought of her Daddy as a charming rodeo cowboy on a white horse, but in reality he is an alcoholic that will be a true challenge for her. Still Bobbie vows to take on the task and to be there for her Dad (J.D. Parker). However, strike #3 takes place when her dad's drunken and belligerent conduct lands him and his newly reunited daughter in a fight in which Bobbie decides to give up on him. It is quickly evident that Bobbie's choices have led to her losing her gift. She hits the stage ready to entertain fans only to realize she cannot sing anymore. The angels sadly had to put her talent back on the shelf as Bobbie has not stayed true to herself or used her gift correctly.

The world is undoubtedly crashing down on Bobbie Thomas as she is told there is no longer any use for her in the music business and that she is done. Lost and broken, she returns back home searching for answers and meaning in her life. Ella advises her that she must learn to sing with her heart and find a way to make amends. Bobbie recognizes her wrongs and decides to do everything she can to repair, restore and rebuild by making positive and fair decisions from then on. She reunites with her former band, takes her Dad to rehab and sings for a good cause from heart. Not surprisingly Bobbie's priceless gift is returned and she learns an important life lesson.

Elam deserves recognition not only for being a gifted singer but also for being a talented actress. With incredible vocals and an indisputably true to life musical gift, she simply shines as she genuinely loves singing and entertaining. I don't believe there to be anyone more deserving of the role of Bobby Thomas than Katrina Elam. Scoring cuts with some major artists, she does continues to be successful in the entertainment industry. However, if I had it my way, she would be on the top of the charts as herself as we speak.

With that said, this heartfelt movie contains an important and relevant message that should certainly apply to all audiences and demographics. Whether famous or not, we are all given special gifts and talents that we must use correctly and fairly if we expect to prosper and to maintain those gifts and talents. The underlined meaning that can be gathered from the movie is a priceless one: “Remember who you are and whose you are.”

Kudos to Christopher Cain, Scott Duthie, Hunt Lowry, Lawrence Mortorff, Ben Horton, Phil Adams, James Tierney, Jeff Schafer, Doug Draizin, Michael Minkler, Jay Hoffman and Dean Cain for their well thought out and well planned production and writing of this inspiring movie!

Available at Walmart