Jeff Bridges has never been better as Bad Blake, a down 'n out country music star who's life is as flawed and screwed up as in his songs. He's been through multiple marriages; has a kid he never sees; and worse, he's an alcoholic. He finds that life has potentially presented him with another chance to make amends when he meets Jean, a single mother who starts a cautious relationship with the old singer. Scott Cooper's somber tale shares some thematic similarities to 2008's The Wrestler, and Bridges' performance is on par with Mickey Rourke's comeback role. Colin Farrell, as Blake's former protege turned country music megastar, is more convincing than you might think. Yes, that's him singing.
2. The Book of Eli
Even in the dungy, dirty, desolation of post-nuclear America, Denzel Washington is still the epitome of cool. The Book of Eli casts him as a mysterious road warrior, making a 30 year trek across the country to an unknown destination. Directors the Hughes Brothers take a pretty heavy scenario and punch it up with as much dark humor as possible, and a twisty ending that most won't see coming.
1. Youth in Revolt
The funniest movie of the year? Ok, that's not saying much, but it's doubtful you'll come across another coming of age story quite as vulgar and wild as this. Michael Cera pokes fun at his demure movie persona as Nick Twisp, a geek looking to win the heart of his beautiful neighbor, Sheeni. To keep her heart, Nick's gonna have to pump up the violence meter to 11, so he creates a French vigilante alter ego to start kickin' ass and takin' names.
DVD Pick: The Hurt Locker
When hotheaded SSgt. William James(Jeremy Renner) hooks up with his team of bomb disposal techs in Iraq, it's clear right from jumpstreet that things are about to heat up: literally. Kathryn Bigelow's explosive film ramps up the tension to an unbearable degree, as every scene is a potential powder keg. The best film dealing in any way with the Iraq War, and one of the best movies that more people desperately need to see. There's a reason why it's been nominated for so many awards this year.
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