Jeff Bridges' Vindication?

Jeff Bridges long wait may be over. His most recent role as Bad Blake in “Crazy Heart,” a film about a washed-up country singer looking for a second chance, very well may land him his first Oscar in 5 nominations. His first nod by the academy came in 1971 for his supporting role in “The Last Picture Show.”
The movie follows the escapades of a desperately alcoholic country-singer, Jeff Bridges, as he falls in love with a woman, Maggie Gyllenhal, who convinces him to turn his life around. In his comeback, Bad Blake, writes his way through the movie’s sound track which has some spectacular songs.
Bridges’ performance in this film is impeccable. Jeff looks like he was born for this part from the very first scene as he smokes a cigarette in a bowling alley, very reminiscent of his fun-loving scenes in “The Big Lebowski.” His voice surprises and his guitar skills combine with his wonderful acting to lock you into the movie from start to finish.
The music would have been the highlight of this film if it weren’t for Bridges’ excellent performance. Ryan Bingham and T Bone Burnettreally put together some excellent pieces of music here. The songs hit hard, but the scenes hit harder – there was hardly a dry tear in the house.
Bridges’ co-star, Maggie Gyllenhaal is beautiful in this film. She proves her worth against the likes of Jeff Bridges and Robert Duvall with a commanding performance. It certainly doesn’t hurt that she looks great in a pair of wranglers. Her interactions with Bridges are tantalizing and her tears hurt almost as much as Bridges’ do.
The movie really draws you into the struggles of Bad Blake. You struggle with him, you fail with him, and most importantly you succeed with him. The movie is an emotional ride worth taking. The music, especially, jerks your emotions this way or that, and adds to the plot in a big way.
As if the movie hadn’t done enough things right some of the wide-shots of south-west landscapes nearly bring you to tears themselves. The cinematography is great in this movie and whether or not that is simply because of the beauty of the landscapes surrounding the actors is a mute point. This film is visually stunning.
The movie isn’t without its imperfections but they only add to the endearing nature of the film. Even Collin Ferrel surprises with some good acting. Nothing extraordinary, but that would have been too much anyways. His role fits neatly into a film that could do no wrong in my book.
Jeff Bridges deserves to have his fifth time be the charm. This movie is excellent and truly is a must see.