Saturday, February 20, 2010

'Crazy Heart' Review


Jeff Bridges and Maggie Gyllenhaal in Crazy Heart. Watch the preview: http://www.moviefone.com/movie/crazy-heart/1441169/main
If Jeff Bridges doesn't get a well-deserved Oscar for his performance in this film, then he will get it for being overdue for one. Either way he will earn it for Crazy Heart. Has he ever been bad in a role? I hardly think so. The plot will remind you of other films about an entertainer on the skids in need of a comeback and finds salvation usually through the love of a good woman. Some parts are predictable and others are surprises. The ending seems a bit pat but because Bridges' character is so likable even with all his faults, you want the movie to end on a happy note. It's not an entirely happy ending as such is life but it's an acceptable one for those who followed his ups & downs.
>>Bridges plays Bad Blake, a washed-up alcoholic country singer who travels the country playing third rate bars and sleeping with customers. His patient but supportive manager wants him to write songs for his former protege who is now a big star played by Colin Farrell, a real casting surprise and unbilled. He finally agrees to open for Farrell at a concert. Farrell sincerely want to help him but will Bridges' pride get in the way? Bridges begins an affair with a younger reporter/single mother played by Maggie Gyllenhaal (also nominated for a Best Supporting Oscar) with a cute toddler and we hope him getting involved with this couple will reform him.
>>Everyone including an old friend played by Robert Duvall wants to help but it's up to Bridges to first help himself. The music is good here even not for Country fans and it's a treat to watch Bridges, an acceptable guitarist according to the Mrs., perform songs. A small film with enough laughs due to Bridges and stays away from the maudlin.

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