Ask Jeff Bridges to pick some of his best movies and he's sure to mention "Crazy Heart," "Starman," "True Grit," "The Amateurs," The Fabulous ..." Whoa, "The Amateurs"? What's that, and how come we've never heard of it?
"It got messed up in distribution," Bridges said of the 2005 comedy about a small town that attempts to make a porno movie." I think it went straight to DVD. It's an interesting movie that's not well known. I've got a few of those in my bag."
We'll say. Here's some of those underrated gems that we love. All are available on DVD.
"A Dog Year" (2009): This HBO movie about a solitary writer trying to tame a dog that's more damaged than he is reaped an Emmy nomination for Bridges, but few viewers. It's so touching that it makes you want to rush down to the animal shelter and start the adoption process.
"How to Lose Friends & Alienate People" (2008): Bridges has a small but significant part in this outrageous comedy, playing a magazine editor who takes a chance on a bumbling buffoon (Simon Pegg), much to his regret.
"Arlington Road" (1999): Bridges plays a paranoid professor who's convinced his neighbors (Tim Robbins and Joan Cusack) are up to no good. The thriller raises even more goosebumps in the wake of 9/11.
"American Heart" (1992): If you thought Bridges' character in "Crazy Heart" had problems, wait until you see this dark, desperate film about an alcoholic trying to connect with his teenage son after a stint in prison.
"Cutter's Way" (1981): Bridges' first real "grown-up" role -- a lost soul who gets wrapped up in the murder of a hitchhiker -- confirmed that the young star was more than just the baby-faced son of the "Sea Hunt" star.
