Men who ate biscuits....

Rating: 8/10 (5 June 2011)

Bad Blake - is a minor legend as a country & western singer. But that minor legend status only allows him currently to perform in not even B-rate venues such as bowling alleys, although he does have a standing gig to perform at his friend Wayne Kramer's bar in Houston.
Bad is an overweight, chain-smoking alcoholic. He is informed by a doc tor that his self-destructive lifestyle will send him to an early grave.
While performing in Santa Fe, Bad meets newspaper journalist Jean Craddock, who wants to do a piece on him for her newspaper. Despite the differences in their ages, Jean and Bad begin a relationship.
Bad's professional career also takes a turn when he reconnects with a more famous former touring partner named Tommy Sweet, who wants Bad to write some songs for him.
What looks to be both a promising professional and personal future for Bad may be jeopardised by his long standing self-destructive lifestyle...
Bridges almost puts no effort into his role of the singer, but manages to pull off his best role since playing 'The Dude'. here is a man who has a whole load of demons, much like Rourke in the wrestler, but never shows his pain in any other place than his music, which has dried up in the last few years thanks to the drinking.
What Bridges does is gives the audience a character you actually care for, somebody who is nice, but just has an addictive personality.
When Gyllanhaal comes on the scene, things begin to change, but the demons are still there. What doesn't help are the friends around, who obviously love him, but ignore the drinking, because thats just his country 'n' western roots.
It's an uncomplicated movie, nothing too exciting, but with great performances from all concerned.