Cooper lets you experience Blake's gradual reawakening right along with him, and Bridges' superb performance -- not the slight plot -- carries the weight.

This performance reminds us that Bridges is that rare actor who has never had to make that apology. Crazy Heart lets him be every bit as grand as we'd hope him to be.

The movie belongs entirely to Bridges, who won the Golden Globe for best actor in a drama. His inimitable Jeff-isms have never been more endearing - the sloppy gait, the whiskey glass balanced on his chest, his general air of discombobulation.

When a movie offers you a couple of hours with a drunk, he better be a charmer. And even then, it's a gamble; we've all known charming drunks, but a little can go a long way. Fortunately for Crazy Heart, it has Jeff Bridges, who brings enough charm and ve

In a musical genre where emotional authenticity is essential, Bridges is a great enough actor to make us believe these songs could be his own.

It's a bit too easy, a bit too familiar, and maybe even a bit too much fun. But the easy magic Bridges brings to the screen makes it all work.

Some goodwill evaporates in the final reel, when a few false endings lead to a choice that's not the best one for Crazy Heart, but the generosity of Bridge's performance puts us in a forgiving mood.