Review of True Grit (2010) by Criticalranger — 08 Jan 2011

The acting was brilliant. The cinematography often stunning. The story enjoyable. Joel and Ethan Coen have once again produced a visceral film, with moments of intensity (particular with the indoor scenes) and characters that are unforgettable (like that instant when the narrator is left behind with her father's killer). But there are moments that really concern you, and you wonder who it is that you're supposed to care about most. And, as a result, the film falls flat - its feels incomplete and without heart, despite the amazing quality of everything that went into its production. Would I recommend it? Absolutely - but only in the hopes that you discover what is there that I didn't see.

Admittedly, I think the best story was that told by Jeff Bridges' character. If only his was the main reason to watch the film. Haillie Steinfeld - well casted and well acted - doesn't quite fill the needs of a protagonist. You don't notice anything change in her... you don't feel anything change in her. At the end you wonder why it is that you've just watched the film - because Jeff Bridges' character would've been the best protagonist to make the film have a purpose.

As it stands it doesn't provide anything other than a story that doesn't make you feel. And that is not a good thing - even when you consider Joel and Ethan Coen's hard-style of directing and lack of interest in "feelings" in the past they have always managed to produce something more magical than this...