Crazy Heart (Fox Searchlight)
1. This film is based on a Thomas Cobb novel that was first published over two decades ago. Still, sadly, it’s bound to be seen as a copycat of last year’s “The Wrestler” because their themes are similar: a washed-up and broke alcoholic falls in love with a younger single mom who is able to look past all of his faults and see the real him. But don’t be fooled by reviews, because there are also enough differences between the two films to make “Crazy Heart” unique.
2. I like every single character in this film, from the broken country music legend (Jeff Bridges), to the small-town single mom/reporter (Maggie Gyllenhaal), to the young hot shot country star (Colin Farrell), to the friendly bartender (Robert Duvall). Each and every character is realistic and redeeming, which is a breath of fresh air in movies these days.
3. Even though I’m not really a fan of contemporary country, the music in this film isn’t all that bad. They easily could have filled the movie with some generic, run-of-the-mill shit-kicker country, but instead chose to create a catalog of original tunes for Bridges’ character, Bad Blake. Both Bridges and Farrell even sing their own songs, and should be given additional props for doing so.
4. There are some pretty graphic sex scenes between Bridges and Gyllenhaal, which makes me want to say, “Fuck yeah, Jeff Bridges! High-five!”
5. The first scene of the film shows Jeff Bridges saddling up at a bar in a bowling alley. Ah… sweet nostalgia.
Otis is the new bad,
8 comments
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December 13, 2009 at 5:58 am
pablochiste
Nice review! Check out my thoughts on Crazy Heart on http://pablochiste.wordpress.com/2009/12/13/the-big-lebowski-part-ii/
December 13, 2009 at 7:20 am
Jenea
Hi Justin!!! I don’t wach this film!!! You saw film from my last post????
December 23, 2009 at 10:51 am
JAMIE
Man, I am so glad I saw this on your BLARG. I REALLY want to see this now!
And the soundtrack looks pretty cool. The actual song that premiers the movie is BEAUTIFUL!: “The Weary Kind” By: Ryan Bingham.
Cool. Thanks,
Jame
SOUNDTRACK:
1. Hold On You (Jeff Bridges)
2. Hello Trouble (Buck Owens)
3. My Baby s Gone (Louvin Brothers)
4. Somebody Else (Stephen Bruton) (Instrumental)
5. Somebody Else (Jeff Bridges)
6. I Don t Know (Ryan Bingham)
7. Wesley Plays Piano (Thomas Canning)
8. Searching (Kitty Wells)
9. I Don t Know (Jeff Bridges)
10. Once A Gambler (Lightnin Hopkins)
11. Are You Sure Hank Done It This Way (Waylon Jennings)
12. I Let the Freight Train Carry Me On (Delmore Brothers)
13. Color of the Blues (George Jones)
14. Joy (Lucinda Williams)
15. Fallin & Flyin (Colin Farrell & Jeff Bridges)
16. Gone, Gone, Gone (Colin Farrell)
17. If I Needed You (Townes Van Zandt)
18. Reflecting Light (Sam Phillips)
19. Mal Hombre (Lydia Mendoza)
20. Live Forever (Robert Duvall)
21. Brand New Angel (Jeff Bridges)
22. The Weary Kind (Ryan Bingham)
December 23, 2009 at 11:26 am
jshady
Yeah, the music definitely isn’t phoned in. Definitely check this out when you can.
February 21, 2010 at 8:26 am
Ribs
Agreed. The Wrestler comparisons are endless, but overall Crazy Heart was a solid movie. http://ribsramblings.wordpress.com/2010/02/21/ribs-reviews-crazy-heart-2/
March 6, 2010 at 8:48 pm
Katie
I finally saw this! Even more awesome because it was my first time seeing a movie alone because all my friends suck and didn’t want to go! Fulfilled a dream and had a good time :)
March 6, 2010 at 11:09 pm
jshady
Awesome! Glad you enjoyed it!
April 16, 2011 at 9:29 am
CMrok93
Great review. The film is a little too run-of-the-mill if not for Jeff Bridges brilliant portrayal and you are on the money wondering why Maggie’s Gyllenhaal character would even be interested in Bad Blake. The moment she started kissing him, I was like Whaaat? why did she do that? It came out of nowhere. Check out my review when you can please!