Critics score:
Reviews provided by RottenTomatoes
Kevin Thomas, Los Angeles Times: Not since "Straight Time" with Dustin Hoffman has there been a film that more convincingly depicted the plight of the ex-con in his struggle to earn an honest living than the engaging "American Heart." Read more
Janet Maslin, New York Times: It's time to recognize Mr. Bridges as the most underappreciated great actor of his generation. Read more
Jonathan Rosenbaum, Chicago Reader: It's a pity that the plot culminates in a slew of melodramatic contrivances that leave a lot of strands hanging. Read more