Crazy Heart, aka: The Weary Kind

Pictured are Bad Blake (Jeff Bridges) and Jean (Gyllenhall)who develop a romance

Crazy Heart (review) by Evana Vleck

Seen several movies already this weekend one of them being Crazy Heart, by director Scott Cooper. This wasn't the most innovative script or storyline but it definitely had some of the best quality acting by Jeff Bridges. Jeff Bridges is memorable in his role as “The Dude” in the Coen’s cult classic “The Big Lebowski”.

In “Crazy Heart”, Jeff Bridges was amazing as a legendary Country musician with a 5x failed marriages, a son he doesn't know, and an alcohol addiction. Battling his own life, struggling to write new songs and touring hole-in-the-walls including a bowling alley, Bad Blake (Jeff Bridges) meets Jean (Maggie Gyllenhall), a young reporter, divorcée with a 4 yr. old son who interviews Bad. The two lonely souls intertwine after 2 meetings and become involved through what almost seems to be a need for someone to love.

Bridge’s character is at the end of his road until an unexpected call from his agent gets him a gig from his nemesis, musical student and country music big shot Tommy Sweet (Collin Ferrel) that can change his life, but before that can happen, Bad Blake has to wake from his own slumber that has caused grief for himself and others around him.

After a terrible mishap involving Jean’s son, and a failed attempt at making amends with Jean, Bad reaches a dark place and seeks help from Wayne, his bartender and confidant played by Robert Duval who lets him know that it’s never too late.

Beautiful scenery, and of course beautiful soundtrack including “The Weary Kind”. Chorus: “This ain’t no place for the weary , this ain’t no place to lose your mind, this ain’t no place to fall behind…pick up your crazy heart and give it one more try.

Great cast…I was really thrown off when Collin Ferrel (as Tommy Sweet) entered stage left sporting a pony tail, earring and heartened musical admiration of Bad, however all managed to work somehow.

Overall, 4 stars!

Check out the song performed by Ryan Bingham: