Filed under: Reviews
The thought of remaking the film that finally garnered an Academy Award for John Wayne seemed inconceivable at first, but in the hands of Oscar winners Ethan and Joel Coen, 'True Grit,' is a splendid delight and a reboot that Wayne would be proud of.
Led by the performances of Jeff Bridges, who plays Wayne's role, Marshall Rooster Cogburn, and newcomer Hailee Steinfeld, this western film is actually better than the original, which most consider a classic.
Rather than do a remake of the 1968 that Wayne starred in, the Coen Bros. have reverted to Charles Portis' 1968 novel and shot their most straightforward tale. When her father is gunned down, 14 year-old Mattie Ross (played by Steinfeld) hires Marshall Rooster Cogburn to search for his killer, a man named Chaney (played by Josh Brolin).
Initially reluctant to take on the job, especially from a young lad, Rooster can't resist the money she's offering and takes the assignment. Coming onboard is the Texas lawman LaBoeuf (played by Matt Damon), who has own score to settle with Chaney. What the two didn't expect is Mattie tagging along for the ride.
As the trio bicker with each other while on the manhunt, the tension only builds up when they get closer to Chaney and his protectors, including an old nemesis of Rooster, Lucky Ned (played by an unrecognizable Barry Pepper).
Bridges, wearing his eye patch on the opposite side of how Wayne wore his and sporting a scruffy beard, is just having a ball playing Rooster. While his opening entrance was less desirable, and starts the film off slowly, his performance builds up with more wit and humor. Along with his Oscar last year for 'Crazy Heart,' and reprising his role in 'Tron: Legacy,' his career as a leading man has been reignited. Having seen Damon in his 'Bourne' mode these past few years, his role as the Texas Ranger gives his the opportunity to redeem himself after his lackluster role in Clint Eastwood's 'Hereafter.'
Making her big screen debut, Steinfeld is a revelation. She's just as much as the lightning bolt in the film as Bridges and at times steals the scenes when the two are interacting with each other. She make Mattie the heart and soul of the film. Shot by cinematographer Roger Deakins, the western landscape never looked so beautiful.
With 'No Country For Old Men,' and 'True Grit,' the Coen Bros. have brought the western genre back to the forefront.