I bumped Cloverfield to next week in favor of True Grit, since it’s relevant and some of you may be wondering if you should spend the money on it. Which is consequently going to be another way I am going to rate it.
I’ve not read the book, nor seen the John Wayne original. I’m not particularly a fan of Coen Brothers movies, though I do like The Big Lebowski and I am partial to Frances McDormand in Fargo. Overall, westerns aren’t my thing but I loved 3:10 to Yuma and the trailer for this was quite compelling when I saw it back in the summer, so I was eagerly looking forward to seeing it. My family has a tradition on going to the movies the day after Christmas and I knew True Grit would be it.
Synopsis: A clever girl hires a one-eyed, aging alcoholic US Marshal Rooster Cogburn (Jeff Bridges) to track and arrest the man that killed her father. They are in competition/cahoots with Mr. LaBouef, a Texas Ranger (Matt Damon) who wants the same man for another killing in Texas.
Acting Grades:
Jeff Bridges: A+
If I could turn back time and instead have Bridges win his Academy Award for True Grit rather than Crazy Heart (which I remained unconvinced isn’t a carbon copy of The Wrestler) I would. There were a few lines of his that were too unintelligible and mangled in character for me to catch, but that’s part of the character. He was magnificent, though maddening as he was endearing and funny. I’m particularly fond of his ramblings.
Matt Damon: A
I always feel like Damon holds something back, especially in these character roles, but this was by far his best character performance. He absolutely disappeared into his character, and I even had to wait for the end credits to double check that it was actually Damon I watched. Prideful but purposeful, Damons’ LaBouef was as every bit pompous as he was tender-hearted. A job well done.
Hailee Steinfeld: A+
If this kid does not win the Best Actress Oscar (or at least gets nominated) I will lose all faith in the Academy. Hailee is a true talent, and, apologies for abusing an already well-abused word, extremely refreshing. It’s time to rehash the talent in this town and Hailee is just what Hollywood needs. As Mattie Ross she is quick-witted, clever, stubborn and prideful – she is the very embodiment of Megan Fellows’ Anne Shirley of the Wild West. Keep your eyes on this young lady, she is going to the top.
Likes:
- Quick-witted, smart dialogue that wasn’t “snappy” and self-aware.
- The fact that the Coen Brothers kept the story to the novel and from Mattie’s POV
- Deep characterization without being saccharine or losing the action
Dislikes:
- Horse’s dying in shitty, gratuitous ways. Seriously. I can’t take that.
True Grit
Overall Story: A
Was It Worth My Money: Hell yes
Would I Recommend: Yes
Would I Buy: Yes
Can Your Mum Watch It: Yes, especially if she loves westerns/action dramas.
