Surprised me

Rating: 9/10 (10 February 2011)

I had hesitated to watch this for fear it would basically be a remake of "Tender Mercies," a great movie that I did not want to spoil the memory of. But this movie shows that there is still room for at least one more entry in the "country singer hits bottom" genre.
As well recognized, Jeff Bridges is wonderful as Bad Blake, an alcoholic country singer who is a bit of a poet, a free spirit, and a wounded soul. Bad had a successful past but his drinking is getting the best of him and he is winding up playing gigs in small bars with pick-up bands.
I found the relationship between him and the aspiring journalist Jean developed naturally. Blake was kind enough to grant Jean an interview and when they first met they had some chemistry. Blake is viewing her as just another interviewer until she mentions she knows about Lefty Frizzell, something that Blake did not expect of her. He perked up after that. Of course the fact that Jean is a beautiful woman caught his interest right off. In the first interview Blake asks Jean more questions than she asks him. When they get a little further along we see that Bad has a real fondness not only for Jean but for her young son as well.
A real plus is that we get to see Blake perform at some length. This movie will appeal a lot more to you if you enjoy the music as much as I did.
As Blake rides from location to location in the southwest we get to see some good scenery. This movie is exceedingly well edited and filmed; nothing flashy, just well done.
I had not read much about this movie beyond its being about a country singer past his prime. So I was surprised when Robert Duvall showed up as an old friend of Bad's. And more surprised when Colin Farrell showed up as Tommy, one of Bad's partners from the old days. While Bad has headed down, Tommy has headed up. Bad and Tommy have a great duet scene when they are on the same bill one night.
This movie touches on meaningful themes of loyalty, friendship, love, and sex. Can't ask for much more than that.