Crazy Heart

Q: What’s the movie about?

A: Another story about a washed up singer who turns to alcoholism. This time it’s Country.

Q: Who’s in the movie?

A: Jeff Bridges, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Colin Farrell, Robert Duvall, James Keane, Jack Nation, Ryan Bingham

Q: Is this movie worth the price of admission?

A: Stop! You’ve seen this movie already. The only reason to go to this would be for the music, so if you like blues-influenced country music, you should save your money for the soundtrack.

Q: Will this movie make me laugh?

A: The singer has an agent, and agents in movies are usually as funny as agents in real life are upsetting.

Q: Will this movie make me cry?

A: Maggie Gyllenhaal cries in almost every scene she has. Often for reasons that don’t make much sense, like that Jeff Bridges is lying in her bed writing a pretty song.

Q: Will this movie be up for any awards?

A: Since most of the songs were written by T. Bone Burnett, I imagine at least one of them will get nominated for something. He’s really hot right now. And according to the marketing campaign for this very movie, Jeff Bridges has practically already won his first Academy Award for this performance.

Q: How is the Acting?

A: Jeff Bridges is totally believable as a country singer, from his southern accent to his gravitas. Next to him, Colin Farrell’s complete lack of on screen charisma becomes ever more apparent.

Q: How is the Directing?

A: The Southwest locations are pretty. The motel rooms and bars are ugly. And the concerts rip off shots from Walk the Line have already been spoofed in Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story… so they end up seeming funny, instead of cool.

Q: How is the story/script?

A: Movies about has-been alcoholics who used to be famous are depressing. Nobody cares!... Unless that alcoholism leads to something spectacular, like the invention of a usable jet pack, please don't subject me to this played out storyline anymore.

Q: Where can I see the trailer?

A: http://www.moviefone.com/movie/crazy-heart/1441169/trailers

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Youssou Ndour: I Bring What I Love

Q: What’s the movie about?

A: World renowned, Senegalese pop sensation, Youssou Ndour, decides to make a religious album about his Muslim faith.

Q: Who’s in the movie?

A: Youssou Ndour, his family, Peter Gabriel, Bono, the President of Senegal, and the Egyptian Orchestra

Q: Is this movie worth the price of admission?

A: Proceed with Caution. This concert film tries to take on the humanitarian and religious issues that Youssou speaks on behalf of, but the storytelling fails, so the primary reason to go see this film is because you're a pre-existing fan of Youssou Ndour. If that describes you, you will not be disappointed by the wall to wall coverage of his music and performances throughout.

Q: Will this movie make me laugh?

A: If you've ever been to Africa, you will enjoy a few cultural displays of things that could only ever happen there.

Q: Will this movie make me cry?

A: For the true music aficionado, there is always a chance that his beautiful voice will induce tears.

Q: Will this movie be up for any awards?

A: Most likely not, but the high point of the film revolves around a very big award that Youssou may or may not get.

Q: How is the Acting?

A: Youssou acts like a man of great integrity and strength... and I actually believe that he is. I only wish more American celebrities would follow his lead when it comes to displaying humility and dignity.

Q: How is the Directing?

A: They shot this documentary for two years and captured 450 hours of footage, which supposedly contained many great stories that they had a hard time cutting out... but from what they chose to keep in, I think they may have left some of the best stuff on the cutting room floor.

Q: How is the story/script?

A: This film only scratches the surface of what is compelling about his story and his humanitarian efforts, so you can't help but feel that something important is missing. Despite the fact that they think they made an important film (which a more sophisticated storyteller could have), this ultimately isn't much more than a series of snippets from concerts, where you will have a chance to see entire songs performed, and read subtitles as to what the lyrics mean. Feel free to derive the meaning yourself. Oh, and the last 15 minutes are great-- a little late for my taste.

Q: Is there anything else worth mentioning about the movie?

A: Even though you think you don't know who this guy is, you do. He's the African singer on Peter Gabriel's "In Your Eyes," and he sings "7 seconds" with Neneh Cherry.

Q: Where can I see the trailer?

A: http://www.moviefone.com/search/youssou%20ndour%20i%20bring%20what%20i%20love/trailers

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