It's Just Movies

— by MARIUSZ ZUBROWSKI —

I like Jeff Bridges. He was one of the reasons that I enjoyed “The Men Who Stare at Goats.” What reaction did I get when I first watched the trailer to “Crazy Heart”? Pure delight.

The outstanding actor’s filmography includes “Starman,” “Contender,” “Last Picture Show,” “The Big Lebowski” and “Iron Man.” Will “Crazy Heart” be a contender for an academy award? Only time can tell, but so far it looks excellent.

Scott Cooper’s directorial debut follows the story of Bad Blake, a hard-living country musician with multiple failed marriages, too much time on the road, and a drinking problem. One journalist named Jean, who is played by Maggie Gyllenhaal, finds the real man inside the broken musician and thus beginning a journey for redemption.

The premise reminds me of “The Wrestler” in more ways then one. Randy “The Ram” Robinson, just like Bad Blake, had his demons, and both films emphasize and portray their struggle to overcome them, but whereas “The Wrestler” was a sports drama, “The Crazy Heart” is turning out to be its musical counterpart. And, as a fun fact for anyone who cares, “Crazy Heart” is slated to be released in theaters one day after the one-year anniversary of “The Wrestler.”

Besides Gyllenhaal and Bridges, other cast members include Robert Duvall and Colin Farrell. “Crazy Heart” releases in a limited number of theaters on Dec. 16, 2009.

Does the film have the potential to be the surprise hit at the Academy Awards? You decide! Post your thoughts in the comments sections.

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