I was originally concerned that it was another movie like last years, "The Wrestler" after sitting through the movie I saw similarities but Jeff Bridges character was so well played I felt his hopelessness, and truly felt sorry for him. The movie dragged at times in self pity, but with the realization of what was truly important in his life he fought back. I was happy with the ending, thought it was realistic. Maggie did an excellent job, just not quite sure there are real women in the world looking like her that would fall for a character of Bad Blake but maybe there are. Over all this was a very good movie, well worth the praise it has received and I believe Jeff Bridges deserves all the awards he can get for his performance.