Review: True Grit

Newcomer Steinfeld steals the show.


Mattie Ross (Hailee Steinfeld) is a stubborn, tough, 14 year old girl who's father has just been murdered by a man named Tom Chaney. (Josh Brolin, who's in the film for a whopping 50 seconds) She sets off to settle her father's affairs and to seek revenge. She meets Rooster Cogburn, (Jeff Bridges) a no nonsense, trigger happy US Marshall and hires him to hunt down Chaney. He reluctantly accepts, she demands to tag along. They are also assisted by a Texas Ranger named LeBoeuf. (Matt Damon)

I'm not one to kiss the Coen Brothers' asses every time they put out a new movie, but this is definitely one of their best. Their casting of newcomer Steinfeld is perfect, my only issue is that they are marketing her as a supporting role when clearly she is a lead. It reminds me a lot of Tatum O'Neal in Paper Moon. She was obviously a lead, but her age bumped her down to supporting actress. Perhaps Steinfeld will pull a Kate Winslet and end up in the lead actress category come Oscar time? We'll see. Bridges was also sharp and amusing as Cogburn, he didn't try to copy John Wayne's performance in the original, he made it his own.

I've always had a bit of a hard time watching westerns, they tend to bore me quickly, but the fantastic performances kept me interested throughout.

Recommended: Yes

Grade: B

Memorable Quote: "They say you have..true grit." - Mattie Ross (Hailee Steinfeld)

Comments

  1. i always did like those Coen Brothers. i'm not even into westerns like that, but something--this review included--is drawing me to this movie!

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  2. I have the same issue with westerns but this one was awesome. I loved Bridges' part. Btw, I even found this movie better than No Country for Old Men.

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