Geekscape Reviews Coen Bros. True Grit!

When I heard a remake was in the works for “True Grit” I was skeptical.  Was this to be another example of Hollywood cashing in on something that’s already been done… yet again?  Especially when there are so many available, mainstream, stories out there.  Why would anyone want to attempt a remake of a western already made famous by iconic John Wayne?  The whole idea didn’t sound appealing or promising. 

That was, until I heard the name “Coen Brothers” attached.  I instantly became intrigued.

The new version of “True Grit,” starring Jeff Bridges as Rooster Cogburn, isn’t a remake of the 1969 theatrical version, nor the 1978 continuation television movie, as I at first thought.  It’s actually based on the original novel, “True Grit”  written in 1969 by Charles Portis.

Set in Arkansas, assertive 14 year old, Matti (Hailee Steinfeld), has more than justice on her mind when she hires US Marshall, “Rooster” Cogburn, whom she believes displays, “True Grit,”  to hunt down her father’s killer.  Larger than life Texas Ranger, LeBeouf (Matt Damon), joins the hunt for the same outlaw, Tom Chaney (Josh Brolin).  From title roles, to bit parts, every character depicts a seamless casting choice including Barry Pepper as Lucky Ned Pepper and Leon Russom (Prison Break) as a sheriff.

It’s no secret that Ethan and Joel Coen, are master story tellers with movies like Fargo, O Brother, Where Art Thou?, No Country For Old Men, Burn After Reading, and A Serious Man.  Even with their impressive resume, I still didn’t see the appeal of a Western coming from them.  Even so, I headed into the movie with my trusted popcorn and an open mind to see what The Coen Brothers could do for the Western Genre.

Jeff Bridges depiction of Rooster is part old coot, part morally ambiguous US Marshall, is well played and never over-acted.
He shares the screen along side Matt Damon and Hailee Steinfeld so artfully.  Casting him was a perfect move and his acting skill is more evident here than previous works like “Crazy Heart” in which he won the Oscar.   I’d like to say he just gets better, but I just saw him in “Tron” but that’s another review.  Incidentally, his first role was in 1951, in which he played… an infant.

Matt Damon sits well in his saddle as self-loving Texas Ranger LeBeouf, balancing almost annoying, with charm.  It took only a moment for me to drop the Jason Bourne persona that I associate with him.  This film really solidifies his versatility.  I’m looking forward to “The Adjustment Bureau,”  coming out in early March.

Newcomer Hailee Steinfeld, as Mattie, has already been nominated by The Screen Actors Guild for Best Supporting Actress.  I can hardly believe that she has few acting credits to her name as she was as good in her role as Bridges.  She hasn’t really done much considering her acting ability.  I am amazed that her resume includes 3, one-time roles, on 3 different tv shows, including a 30 minute kiddie-comedy entitled, “Summer Camp.”  She may follow in Tatum O’Neil’s footsteps and grab an Oscar. But first, we will have to wait until January 25th for the official 83rd Academy Award Nominees to be announced.  My fingers are crossed for you Hailee, but after that performance, you don’t need luck, because you got talent.

Of the last three big name/big budget, Westerns that have come out in recent years, “3:10 to Yuma,” and “Appaloosa,” this one is my favorite for all the right reasons.  Regardless of your love or lack of, for Westerns, this movie satisfies on all levels.