Review of True Grit (2010) by Chris S — 26 Nov 2013

Beautifully filmed, impeccably scripted, and brought to life with outstanding performances from Jeff Bridges, Matt Damon, and newcomer Hailee Steinfeld, True Grit stands as a return to form for the Coen brothers, minus their typical interjections of dark, depressing themes coupled with strange, sporatic violence.

The movie tells the story of 14 year old Mattie Ross (Steinfeld), a whippersnapper of a teenage girl in 1800s Arkansas hellbent on avenging her father by seeing the man who killed him hanged. She ends up hiring two lawmen to do the job: U.S. Marshall Rooster Cogburn (Bridges) and Texas Ranger Labeouf (Damon). The two act as foils of each other, Bridges with his rugged, boozy, smart alecy, trigger happy persona and Damon with his conceited, overly taught mannerisms. Both provide some of the best work of their respective careers, and Bridges even manages to improve upon and bring more depth to the iconic John Wayne role.

Overall, the smart banter and hilarious dialog combined with the beautiful cinematography and enthralling story of retribution makes True Grit a must-see and a more than likely awards contender. The gravitas that Steinfeld brings to her performance is sure to garner her an Oscar nomination and possibly even a win. She carries the entire film, and occasionally even puts Bridges (in one of his best performances to date) to shame.

In the battle of Dude vs Duke, the Dude has won.