'Season of the Witch,' 'Country Strong' Hit Theaters

Photo Courtesy - Relativity Media(NEW YORK) -- Here's a look at the new movies opening nationwide Friday:

* Season of the Witch -- Nicolas Cage is a 14th-century European knight who, with his friend, are ordered by church officials to accompany to trial a young girl accused of unleashing the Black Plague.  Hellboy actor Ron Perlman also stars in this PG-13 rated film.

Expanding into wide release:

* Country Strong -- Gwyneth Paltrow plays a down-and-out country music star seeking to revive her career with a comeback tour also featuring two young up-and-comers, including a male singer with whom she's connected.  Garrett Hedlund, Leighton Meester and and Tim McGraw also star.  The movie is rated PG-13.

Copyright 2011 ABC News Radio

Gwyneth Paltrow, Tim McGraw Hit Red Carpet for Movie Premiere

Photo Courtesy - Screen Gems(NASHVILLE, Tenn.) -- Tim McGraw and Gwyneth Paltrow walked the red carpet at the Nashville premiere of their film Country Strong Monday night.  The movie takes place in the world of country music and was actually shot in Music City.

Paltrow was glad to be back in Nashville for the premiere, saying, "It's like the most amazing experience to do this film and get to sing these songs.  I can't believe that one of them is on the radio.  It's just thrilling."

Paltrow is referring to the title song from Country Strong, which she'll perform live on the CMA Awards Wednesday night on ABC.  She is trying to keep her nerves about the performance in check.

She says, "I was really bad last week all week. I lost my appetite. I couldn't sleep, but this week I feel much better.  I feel prepared."  She adds, "If I can just keep the nerves under control, I think I'll hopefully survive it."

As for McGraw, he admits to being nervous at first about taking on a role in a film about country music.  Despite starring in previous films, he already worries about whether people will believe him as someone besides himself onscreen, and playing a role connected to country music just seemed to make that tougher.

McGraw says, "You just try to do the best you can do.  It was just such a great script, you know."  He adds, "I just wanted to hold my own on-screen with somebody as talented as Gwyneth Paltrow."

Copyright 2010 ABC News Radio