True Grit (2010)

    There has been a lot of buzz about Joel and Ethan Coen's remake of the 1969 western "True Grit".  The Coens' last film, "A Serious Man" was not their best work, but in 2007 the Coens took the Academy Awards with their western "No Country For Old Men".  This film was good, but did not deserve best pic over Paul Thomas Anderson's masterpiece "There Will Be Blood".  "True Grit" features Jeff Bridges, fresh from winning Best Actor, Matt Damon, Josh Brolin, and Hailee Steinfeld as Mattie Ross.

     The story begins with Mattie Ross getting off the train in the town where her father has just been murdered.  She learns that he was killed by a lunatic named Chaney (Brolin).  While everyone advises the fourteen year old to take her father's body and go home, she insists on finding Chaney and bringing him to justice.  Mattie knows that she cannot do this alone, so she employs Rooster Cogburn (Bridges), a seasoned U.S. Marshall.  After following Chaney into dangerous Indian territory, the pair team up with a Texas Ranger named LaBoeuf (Damon), who also happens to be seeking Chaney.
    "True Grit" is done very well by two experienced filmmakers, but does not appear to be made by the Coens.  It lacks the style and, besides the humorous Rooster Cogburn, does not have the interesting characters the Coens are known for.  As expected, the acting from Jeff Bridges and Matt Damon is spectacular.  We see Damon like we have never seen him before.  As for Bridges, he exhibits one of his best performances to date, but was neglected by the Golden Globes.  This is understandable because this is not one of his more serious roles.  Up and coming actress Hailee Steinfeld was very convincing as the persistent Mattie Ross.  This will not be the last time we see her.  "True Grit" is a good film and a great western.  Joel and Ethan Coen have returned to the fabulous filmmaking that they are known for.  This film is one of this years top ten, but does not "wow".

ACTING: 9

CINEMATOGRAPHY: 8

STORY: 9

ORIGINALITY: 8

REPLAY VALUE: 9

OVERALL RATING: 8.6/10