07/17/2012 (0 of 0 found this helpful)

"True Grit" by Yojimbo

A fourteen year old girl employs the talents of a grizzled old US Marshall to track her father's killer. The Coen brother's re-imagining of John Wayne's western classic is actually not as different from the original as you'd expect. The biggest difference is in its lack of bravado; Bridges' Rooster Cogburn is more of a crotchety old has-been than The Duke's larger-than-life portrayal and the spectre of Death permeates the film in a similar way to Jarmusch's Dead Man. Even the teenage Maddy (impressively played by newcomer Hailee Steinfield) is not immune to its touch, as we see when she beds down for the night in an empty coffin nearly as soon as she appears. The melancholy epilogue is another nice touch and the ending in general I felt worked much better then the first film. I would have...

Rating of
3.5/4 

07/26/2011 (0 of 0 found this helpful)

True Grit review

A story of a 14-year-old girl (Hailee Steinfeld as Mattie) on the verge to avenge his father's death with the aid of US Marshall and Texas Ranger. It stars Jeff Bridges (Rooster with his really thick accent) and Matt Damon. The cinematography was strategic, the dialogue witty and humorous at times. In the words of Mattie Ross: “You must pay for everything in this world, one way and another. There is nothing free except the grace of God. " Words of wisdom from a brave girl beholden of Rooster’s efforts. An entertaining western that can be appreciated. ...

Rating of
3.5/4 

02/23/2011 (0 of 0 found this helpful)

Best Western Since 1990

The best western since Dances with Wolves (didn't care for Unforgiven). Virtually every detail in this movie is not missed. The pacing is good, the dialogue is witty, and acting is near perfection. The Coen Bros have done it again.

The story is kind of unique but definitely a western. When a 14 year old girl's father is murdered and she is the one to hire a gunslinging Marshall, you know that this could only happen in the old west. The choice to play the 14 year old girl was perfect. She is a good actress and may have a promising career ahead of her. The subtle twists and detailed cinematography keep you on your seat.

Acting by Bridges is great. This may be his best performance (ok, not better than The Big Lebowski). It is very funny at times, serious at times, real at times and gru...

Rating of
3.5/4 

02/05/2011 (1 of 1 found this helpful)

True Grit: That Says It All

First, I have to confess that I have never seen the 1969 version of this film, nor read the original novel either film is based on. That being said, the Coen Brothers have renewed my faith that the western genre still has life in it and if more films like this are made, it can have a long life yet.

The story is pretty straightforward - a man is murdered and the his strong-willed daughter is determined to hunt down the man responsible. It doesn't matter he's fled into dangerous territory with a gang of outlaws - she will let nothing stand in her way. She picks up a ornery cuss of a marshal, and a drunk to boot and a Texas Ranger with his own plan is also along for the ride. The True Grit in the title may be directed towards Rooster at first, but it's obvious that Mattie Ross is the rea...

Rating of
3.5/4 

01/02/2011 (0 of 0 found this helpful)

Fill your hands you son of a bitch!

Wow! A remake that actually surpasses the original (at least in my opinion). Then again, it is hard to top a classic John Wayne film such as 1969's True Grit. In fact, this is hardly a remake. This is more of a literal adaptation of the novel by Charles Portis. This is quite possibly the Coen Bros.' best movie since No Country for Old Men and while not reaching the brilliance of their oscar winner its still one of the best films of the holiday season and should surely receive accolades for its screenplay and acting.

The story focuses on young Mattie Ross (an excellent Haillee Steinfeld, in her acting debut). She gets the help of US Marshall Reuben "Rooster" Cogburn (Jeff Bridges, the Dude filling in for the Duke) to catch the murderous Tom Chaney (an underused Josh Brolin) after he sho...

Rating of
4/4