Iceland, Denmark, United States · 2009
Rated R · 1h 35m
Director Dagur Kári
Starring Brian Cox, Paul Dano, Stephanie Szostak, Isild Le Besco
Genre Drama, Comedy, Romance
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Brian Cox stars as Jacques, the curmudgeonly owner of a gritty New York dive bar that serves as home to a motley assortment of professional drinkers. Jacques is determinedly drinking and smoking himself to death when he meets Lucas (Dano), a homeless young man who has already given up on life. Determined to keep his legacy alive, Jacques deems Lucas is a fitting heir and takes him under his wing, schooling him in the male-centric laws of his alcoholic clubhouse: no new customers, no fraternizing with customers and, absolutely no women. Lucas is a quick study, but their friendship is put to the test when the distraught and beautiful April (Isild Le Besco) shows up at the bar seeking shelter, and Lucas insists they help her out.
Los Angeles Times by Betsy Sharkey
Here, the 36-year-old filmmaker is playing around with drama and comedy. And if you're in the mood for a splash of dark drama, a bit of humor, very dry, on the rocks, with a twist, this will come close to satisfying.
New York Daily News by Elizabeth Weitzman
Dagur Kari both wrote and directed, so he has no one else to blame for so little originality. Neither does his hard-working cast, all of whom deserve better.
The Good Heart dilutes Cox’s gravitas with quirk.
The movie begins to wear out its welcome even before a conclusion of breathtaking corniness.
Village Voice by Melissa Anderson
A sloppy, desultory, depressive buddy comedy the color of beer-infused pee.
Cox’s character is a living, hissing embodiment of the idea that no good deed goes unpunished. As an actor stuck in a movie that wastes his talents, Cox can surely relate.
Boxoffice Magazine by Pete Hammond
Odd but endearing, The Good Heart has just exactly that--a good heart--mixed with a simplistic story that comes recommended as a showcase for two fine actors at the top of their game.
One of the least likable characters (Cox) in recent memory--irascible, but with moments of real tenderness--he’s the reason this strange movie takes on a perverse charm that is uniquely its own.
The New York Times by Stephen Holden
No amount of splenetic ranting by Brian Cox, a wonderful actor, when given the right role, can salvage The Good Heart from terminal mawkishness.
A picture too simplistic and sentimental for art seekers and too rough for general audiences.
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