"Crazy Heart" is the kind of authentic, intimate character study rarely seen.
As Bad Blake, a burnt-out country singer awash in whiskey, Jeff Bridges creates another iconic role that can stand next to Duane Jackson of "The Last Picture Show" or The Dude from "The Big Lebowski.'
While on the road, Blake meets a reporter played by the radiant Maggie Gyllenhaal and falls for her and her young son.
But Blake's demons run rampant, threatening to destroy him and all he comes to hold dear.
A terrific supporting cast includes Robert Duvall as a close friend, and Colin Farrell a rival country singer.
"Crazy Heart" tells a familiar story, but manages to avoid the wishey-washy melodramatic pratfalls.
There's also a must-own soundtrack featuring original music with Bridges and Farell doing their own vocal work. The songs are better than anything on country radio right now, and speak volumes about the character writing them.
While Bad Blake may be sucking the remaining fumes of his talent, it's just the opposite of Bridges.
His performance and this movie stay with you like a familiar song you go to bed humming.
RATING: * * * * *Based on a scale of 1-5 stars.
