Crazy Heart, despite terrific Bridges, fails to deliver, Farrell's short screen appearance disappointing
By: Jennifer Patterson
Issue date: 2/15/10 Section: Entertainment
Crazy Heart , currently nominated for three Oscars, delves into the life of a washed out country singer dealing with personal demons in the form of abandonment and alcoholism.
While the movie has potential for a great premise, it falls short. Scenes are often overshadowed by slow moving dialogue and an all around slow pace. Some character relationships are undeveloped. Characters are seemingly close in unrealistic fashion, while other relationships are barely discussed.
The main character, Bad Blake, played by Jeff Bridges, delivers at times an emotional, heart wrenching performance. But the emotionally driven scenes are few and far between.
Throughout the movie the character Tommy Sweet is continually referred to, and upon the entrance of Sweet we learn him to be Colin Farrell. As a fan of Farrell, I was at first pleasantly surprised seeing him playing the role of a famous country singer, especially a role completely different from his usual roles. However, I say that with a grain of salt, for Farrell's short screen appearance was dull.
The relationship between both Sweet, and Blake is strained, complicated, and never really explained. Blake holds a certain animosity towards Sweet for giving Sweet his start causing him to sky rocket in celebrity above Blake.
One of the Oscar nominees is Maggie Gyllenhaal who plays Jane Craddock, the love interest to Blake. Craddock is insecure, dim witted, and na've in the rapidly built relationship between the two. Imagining Gyllenhaal winning Best Supporting Actress for this role makes me dare I say laugh.
Crazy Heart is perhaps a perfect choice for people wishing to waste two hours of their time and money at the box office. If the desire still remains to watch the movie I suggest waiting till the DVD is released. Less money, and the opportunity to fast forward through the terrible parts makes the wait well worth it.
While the movie has potential for a great premise, it falls short. Scenes are often overshadowed by slow moving dialogue and an all around slow pace. Some character relationships are undeveloped. Characters are seemingly close in unrealistic fashion, while other relationships are barely discussed.
The main character, Bad Blake, played by Jeff Bridges, delivers at times an emotional, heart wrenching performance. But the emotionally driven scenes are few and far between.
Throughout the movie the character Tommy Sweet is continually referred to, and upon the entrance of Sweet we learn him to be Colin Farrell. As a fan of Farrell, I was at first pleasantly surprised seeing him playing the role of a famous country singer, especially a role completely different from his usual roles. However, I say that with a grain of salt, for Farrell's short screen appearance was dull.
The relationship between both Sweet, and Blake is strained, complicated, and never really explained. Blake holds a certain animosity towards Sweet for giving Sweet his start causing him to sky rocket in celebrity above Blake.
One of the Oscar nominees is Maggie Gyllenhaal who plays Jane Craddock, the love interest to Blake. Craddock is insecure, dim witted, and na've in the rapidly built relationship between the two. Imagining Gyllenhaal winning Best Supporting Actress for this role makes me dare I say laugh.
Crazy Heart is perhaps a perfect choice for people wishing to waste two hours of their time and money at the box office. If the desire still remains to watch the movie I suggest waiting till the DVD is released. Less money, and the opportunity to fast forward through the terrible parts makes the wait well worth it.
Viewing Comments 1 - 3 of 3
Joe F Williams
posted 2/15/10 @ 12:00 PM CST
I could not disagree with your more about this movie, I thought Jeff Bridges did outstand job, he was very realist, I have been down this road, and he was a perfect choice. (Continued…)
bennie sarrett
posted 2/15/10 @ 3:13 PM CST
Your complaints about personal relationships being either skimped or flattened in the screenplay apply justly to almost any movie, very sad to say; and that fact doesn't elevate any particular movie to being innocent by association. (Continued…)
Jack
posted 2/25/10 @ 10:12 PM CST
One of the reasons people are falling in love with this movie is because the characters are so realistic. Some of the unanswered questions this movie may leave hanging will not bother those who have intelligent imagination. (Continued…)
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