Bridges plays the role as struggling has-been eloquently - not too heavy-handed, yet profound. It would have been easy for director Meredith to push for a more dramatic effect, yet apparently he didn't, or Bridges refused. Either way, this is a brilliant depiction of a character we probably all know, whether we know it or not.

Seen it once before...liked it ever so much! Jeff has become "an actor's actor". Sure, he was certainly eye-candy in his youth, but now he's sexy. Must be the beer belly/face that's been lived in & rasp in his voice. BTY I consider "True Grit" the Only remake of a movie better than the original) "Bad" is a bit more civilized than "Rooster", but only a bit. Caught Jeff on "Austin City Limits" - no idea he's a top rate country singer. Maggie has been a favorite since "Sherry Baby". (edgy & too X-rated for some) She's quite a character actress.

You'll be pulling for "Bad"...sometimes the road to hell is paved w/good intentions.

p.s. There's a Robert Duvall movie "Tender Mercies" w/the same basic story line except w/a Hollywood ending.

Jeff Bridges' style of acting, as demonstrated by his long wait for Oscar gold, is deliberately low-key and can easily be taken for granted. His work here as a broken down alcoholic country singer is no exception. These type of roles bring out the ham in some actors but Bridges' Bad Blake mostly suffers in silence. Bad has been down so long that when they deny him a bar tab at a bowling alley gig he just lights a cigarette in knowing recognition. "Crazy Heart" is a personal journey for Bad from downtrodedness no some form of personal redemption. It's not a pleasant journey but it is a fascinating one. Besides Bridges the film's cast is terrific starting with Maggie Gyllenhaal's sympathetic girlfriend, Colin Farrell as a former protogee of Bad's whose made the big time, and the irrepressible Robert Duvall as an old friend of Bad's who demonstrates the tough love that others are unable to give. If Bridges' work here reminded me of anything it was Duvall's in "Tender Mercies" back in 1983. Don't get me wrong because this is a work unique to Bridges but he knows how to give props to another masterful actor. Unarguably "Crazy Heart" is one of the best pictures that came out last year.

I watched this when it was new and didn't like it. How could a young woman fall for a boozer like that? I could smell him through the screen.

Now, years later, I gave Crazy Heart another chance and found it poignant and compelling. The realistic ending left me sad, but it is a realistic take on alcoholism and the mistakes we all make along the way.

Jeff Bridges shines, always great to see Robert Duvall, Maggie Gyllenhaal just OK. Love the music, the storyline ... A gentle insight about alcoholism, ... , gigs ruined, relationships frayed, Inattentive, lots of throwing up. The fine end shows his to be sober, playing actually making $$, living in his new skin of sobriety. Recommend

Lots of cleavage, a few sex scenes, good music,but not enough of that. Gets really boring about half way and doesn't get any better. Why punish him for being exactly who he advertised himself to be? Drunk, loose in morals,irresponsible. Don't want that for your son/self? Don't get involved in the first place.

T-Bone Burnett has the golden touch when it comes to music. Having loved his [[ASIN:B0006QAIFA Roy Orbison - Black & White Night (DVD & DVD Audio)]] (a tribute to Roy Orbison), his music for [[ASIN:B00003CXRM O Brother, Where Art Thou?]] and its progeny [[ASIN:B00005NVHA Down from the Mountain (The "O Brother, Where Art Thou?" Concert)]], and now "Crazy Heart," I've learned that everything he touches turns to gold. [wikipedia has a fine page devoted to his accomplishments].

What makes this film even more enjoyable is the superb acting by Jeff Bridges, Maggie Gyllenhall, and Robert Duvall. Bridges earned the 2009 Academy Award for Best Actor for his performance in the film, Gyllenhaal was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress and the song "The Weary Kind" earned Ryan Bingham and T-Bone the Academy Award for Best Original Song.

Truly a gem.

Great movie! Well written, great dialogue (script), and GREAT ACTING! Just what you'd expect from the two main stars of this movie!! Watch it!!