This is a very good movie. It was even better and more original when it was Tender Mercies (1983) and Robert Duvall gave an Oscar winning performance. Jeff Bridges does a great job and is worth a nomination to be sure. These small character studies are not big money makers. Duval was also listed as a producer and had a cameo to add some more star power to the mix. The big surprise was Colin Farrel as a country music star. A small role and he seemed a bit out of place. Still that shows that this is an acting movie and actors like good roles and working with good actors. We see these riches to rags to riches stories and we like seeing people redeemed and getting their act together and this is a worthy production. The music and soundtrack are wonderful. Homage is paid to legends  of country music and the educated will hear a snippet of the great Townes Van Zandt which is more than fitting as his tale didn’t have such a positive ending. Does the Dude deserve an Oscar? Maybe, maybe not, but we can appreciate these performances and this fine film.