Wednesday, December 22, 2010 at 10:03AM Movie Review: 'True Grit'
| True Grit
Starring Jeff Bridges, Hailee Steinfeld, Matt Damon, Josh Brolin
|
Any movie that is based on a book or that can be considered a remake presents a challenge for a reviewer. There will be those that argue it's too similar or too different than the original (yes, this can also be argued to not be a remake), or this was different from the book, or just about anything. And many of our regular readers know I can be rather outspoken when it comes to remakes, reboots, or a movie based on a book I've read. But, to show my proper respects to both the film and to you, the reader, I will forget this film was based on a book, that there was another movie called True Grit made back in 1969, and write my review based purely on the movie directed by Ethan Coen and Joel Coen.
And what an impressive movie it was.
True Grit is told from the perspective of Mattie Ross (Hailee Steinfeld), a fourteen year-old girl whose father was murdered in cold blood by Tom Chaney (Josh Brolin). She's a clever, headstrong girl who has but one objective; bring Tom Chaney to justice. After learning that Tom has fled and is low on the U.S. Marshall's priority list, she enlists the drunk, ruthless Rooster Cogburn (Jeff Bridges) to her cause. Texas Ranger LaBoeuf (Matt Damon) rides alongside them, as he too is after Tom Chaney for killing a politician. While a rocky, uneasy partnership, the three chase after Tom, who has aligned himself with Lucky Ned Pepper (Barry Pepper) and his gang, who is also an old rival to Rooster.
The interaction amongst the characters is extremely well done. Even from bit parts, such as Mattie bargaining over horses, dealing with the undertaker, and having to share a bed with an older lady, are highly entertaining. Each role is played to perfection; Bridges as the drunken, ruthless Cogburn is a great contrast to Hailee as the youthful, headstrong, yet naive Mattie Ross. Their first interaction almost sets the tone for their relationship; Mattie tracks down Rooster to an outhouse, and their initial conversation takes place while Rooster is both drunk and attempting to use the bathroom.
Damon plays LaBoeuf to near perfection, his pride as a Texas Ranger leading to some great back and forth with Bridges. Brolin as Tom Chaney is just how you would think a man whose been successfully running from the law would be; self-serving and over-confident. And I'm surprised I haven't read about Barry Pepper's performance as Lucky Ned Pepper. While not around for long, he too played a great rival to Bridge's Rooster, who is brutal and intelligent in his dealings with Rooster and Mattie, yet still shows a sense of honor that distinguishes him from your stereotypical villain.
I do hope to see more of Barry Pepper and Hailee Steinfeld. If they can continue to deliver performances like these, they really need more recognition and movie roles. Steinfeld especially makes this movie, more-so than even Bridges. It's hard to believe this is her first major role, especially the way both Bridges and Damon, both movies stars in their own right, respectfully show that it is, in fact, her movie.
The Coens meticulously planned out the film, which is shown in every cut, every detail in its place. The scenery is real and alive in it's own right, from the towns, the buildings, and each location our travelers find themselves at. The action is realistic, and while Rooster seems to overcome some very large odds, he does it with intelligence and cunning; he's not afraid to hide behind a rock, take the first shot, and pin down his adversaries.
Even though the script is light-hearted at times, the Coens pull few punches. The film lives up to it's name; it's very dark, gritty, and real. You have to remember the film is told from Mattie's point of view; if it feels too light at times, its due to her optimism shining through. She may have just suffered a tragedy, but she's still convinced everything will turn out just as planned. It's not until much later that her youthful light is dimmed as her own "true grit" comes out.
If I could be really picky, there are two things I'd... change or enhance about the film. One is that I'd like to see more of Brolin and Pepper. Both did great in their roles, but it seems too short lived. The other is the strange effects used during a rapid horse ride. They looked just a touch too fake compared to everything else looking so authentic.
Despite that, True Grit is not only a great western, it's also one of the best movies of the year.
Reader Comments (11)
Note from the editor: As you can see, this review has been given a prestigious 5 out of 5 rating. Please note that internally, we define 5 Abiding Dudes rating as "a top 3 film of the year." You're now free to agree or disagree.
I'm going to see it today or tomorrow, so this review is very encouraging.
I have to agree with the five Abiding Dudes rating. True Grit was magnificent.
Thanks for the supporting vote for the rating, Pat. Being my first 5/5 review, was ever so slightly nervous that I'd be alone on that island.
Well well well, this is exactly what I had been looking out for.. I found another website called http://www.desimartini.com where you can get Movie Reviews by some of the best critics and even by common people…
I haven't seen the movie yet...but it looks great...and I'm sure it's, at the least, worth 4 ADs if not 5.
My question is....if you reserve 5 ADs for a "top 3 film of the year"....does that mean that only 3 movies a year will be given 5 ADs? Or does this mean each reviewer can only hand out 3, 5 AD reviews a year?
How exactly does that work? If, in 2011, there are 3 movies worthy of "top 3 film" status, and/or 5 AD rating, that all come out within the first 6 months of the year....what happens with all the rest of the movies for that year? Are they just out of luck? Do they get 5 AD rating...and then a previous movies rating gets lowered retroactively?
Some explanation would be appreciated.
Doppelganger,
I'll let Tae expand on this if he likes (I'm at work and don't have specifics in front of me), but the 5/5 Abiding Dudes rating is typically only given out to 3 films a year, and it's not guaranteed. If a year has some truly magnificent movies, there could be 4-5 5/5 ratings. This year, I can only think of one other film that got the 5/5 rating, and that was Kick-Ass (again, don't have my notes here at work to be completely sure).
Making myself a note to get you more details later, if one of my other co-writers doesn't get to it first.
As long as it's flexible...and there's the possiblity of there being more than 3 movies receiving 5 ADs....that's enough explanation for me.