TRUE GRIT

With Jeff Bridges, Hailee Steinfeld, Matt Damon, Josh Brolin, Barry Pepper, Paul Rae, Elizabeth Marvel

Written & Directed by Joel Coen & Ethan Coen (based on the novel by Charles Portis)

Some may think this classic tale of vengeance and justice is a remake of the 1969 John Wayne movie, but it is based on the book which gave birth to that picture which gave Wayne his first and only Oscar, controversially beating Jon Voight and Dustin Hoffman (both in Midnight Cowboy), and thespian legends like Richard Burton and Peter O'Toole – more of a life achievement political win than a measure of acting talent.

The Coen brothers carved a marvelous movie from the original material where a determined young girl Mattie Ross hires an aging alcoholic U.S. Marshall (Rooster Cogburn) to find and bring to justice Tom Chaney, the man who killed her father in cold blood. Joining them to make up a conflicting trio chasing Chaney's gang is the uptight Texas Ranger, LaBeouf. Their mission turns very dangerous and deadly. Extremely character driven, each actor's role is a unique pillar in the story. At times Bridges' portrayal of the groggy Cogburn comes across as a bit hammed up, but the Coens cannot be accused of ever avoiding humour in their movies.

Regular Coen director of photography Roger Deakins again realizes the brothers' vision to bring this fine Western to the screen. Never having seen the John Wayne version, I may seek it out to compare notes.

Fans of George Romero's Day Of The Dead will be glad to see Jarlath Conroy in a small role as the undertaker.

Extra featurettes: looking at newcomer Hailee Steinfeld and her character of Mattie; the authenticity of the 1870s wardrobe; the recreation of the post-civil war town Fort Smith, converting a street in a functioning town; a look at the cast of characters. Coen fans would love to hear from the directors, but alas.

4 / B
- Paul Blom

0 1 2 3 4 5 6
- A - B - C

A: Multiple Viewing Potential
B: Deserves Another Look
C: Once Should Suffice