Through the Looking Glass: Just released March 2010: Crazy Heart

This was a moving portrayal of an aging, fifty-seven year old fading country singer, Otis Blake, stage name Bad Blake, who never quite made the big time, that was an alcoholic. He played bowling alleys, and dives, some pubs. He was a talented song writer, but not recognized for quite some time. Skillfully played by Jeff Bridges, you felt sorry for this character as he wallowed through his country music sets, with three quarters of a voice and operating at half mode. Maggie Glynnenhall beautifully portrayed the much younger journalist reporter, Jean Craddock, that was interviewing him at the beginning of the story, that had a four year old son. She was reluctant to involve herself with him, as she already recognized his drinking problem, but went ahead anyway. Collin Ferrill played the country star, Tommy, that actually is a friend of Bad Blake's.
Bad Blake wants to avoid Tommy but runs across him anyway, as he opens for Tommy's act. Bad Blake also refuses to give Maggie Glynnenhall's character his real name throughout most of the movie, as he wants to remain anonymous, yet reaching out for more in his loneliness. Bad Blake also has not seen his own son since he was four years old, and attempts to call his grown 28 year old son while passing through Santa Fe. This movie had some very good character development, and even though it was not action packed, it kept you riveted to the screen. Jeff Bridges actually sings a couple of songs, as well as Collin Ferrill, and they both do a good job; Collin has a brighter voice, and Jeff Bridges has a husky, smokey voice that lends itself well to one of the slow songs towards the end of the movie. I would rate this movie at a B plus or A minus.