American Heart

AMERICAN HEART (1993) **** Jeff Bridges, Edward Furlong, Don Harvey, Tracey Kapisky. Bleak yet truthful look at a father/son relationship in a world of despair. Bridges gives a modulatedly depicted performance as an ex-con fresh from jail and confronted with his teenage son, who is also on the path of hard knocks. Great rapport between Bridges and Furlong as well as a hopeless demise that maintains despite its moments of carefree aimlessness. Bridges co-produced as well.

What makes "American Heart" a better film than many others with a similar theme (father and son struggling with their relationship) is the exceptional acting. Jeff Bridges and Edward Furlong are both brilliant in this film. The story is also very well-written and interesting. Definitely a film above the average. 6/10

I had seen this movie years ago, but recently I bought it and viewed it again. I knew I had liked the movie when I first saw it, but this time around I loved it. It is a great drama movie with a great Father/Son relationship story. Edward Furlong is really great in this film. He plays the role the way a role like this should be played. I would recommend this movie to others who enjoy a good story and a good drama. I thought the ending was sad and personally would have enjoyed a happier ending. Great movie! Kristin

This movie features another great performance from Jeff Bridges, as a convicted felon whose son wants to have a relationship with him. It's a rare cinematic look at the strained father-teenage son relationship. Edward Furlong is sympathetic as Bridges' persistent son. The ending bothered me a bit - almost too anti-Hollywood, but this film is not driven by plot. The characters are the meat of this story. Makes a worthwhile rental.

Man, was Jeff Bridges excellent in this! Talk about being pitch perfect in a character who is trying to change and just having the hardest time. Subtle touches, like when he takes away the joint from his son, only to slip it into his own pocket. This is a good film, small gem. Rent it!