Review of True Grit (2010) by Hector C — 06 Jan 2013

When Mattie Ross arrives in Fort Smith, she has a sights set on avenging her fatherâ(TM)s blood. She quickly hires Reuben âRoosterâ? Cogburn, believing that he is the answer to her prayers. Directed by Ethan and Joel Coen, True Grit is not a remake of Henry Hathawayâ(TM)s 1969 version, but another adaption of Charles Portisâ(TM)s classic novel.

Feisty, stubborn and fearless, Mattie Ross is played by the magnificent Hailee Steinfield who gives an immense performance dazzling with great promise for the future. Jeff Bridges portrays Rooster Cogburn, a fat, one-eyed, trigger-happy alcoholic who makes his money as a US Marshall, killing fugitives and criminals in the area. Heâ(TM)s bamboozled by the fearlessness of young Mattie Ross, and agrees to help her find and kill Tom Chaney, her fatherâ(TM)s killer who is travelling with the infamous âLuckyâ? Ned Pepper, portrayed, ironically, by Bruce Pepper. Matt Damonâ(TM)s role in the Western action film is as Ranger LaBoeuf, an arrogant yet not completely heartless man who is also after Tom Chaneyâ(TM)s head. LaBoeuf joins the hunt but also has a personality clash with the slightly arrogant US Marshall.

The question most people are asking is, â~Is it better than the â(TM)69 version starring John Wayne?â(TM) unfortunately I havenâ(TM)t seen John Wayneâ(TM)s version, nor read Charles Portisâ(TM)s novel, so I cannot answer that question. But what I can say is that this is a very, very, very good film. For example there several nicely directed dramatic action scenes made even more so by the incredible music written by Carter Burwall, several heart-pounding scenes in one of which Mattie comes face-to-face with Tom Chaney, portrayed by Josh Brolin who delivers a menacing performance, and another scary scene where Mattie is surrounded by angry snakes. Also included are moments of elegant tomfoolery from Cogburn and Mattie and fabulous performances from Bridges, Damon and Steinfield. This is a fast-paced action film, with a squeeze of emotion that is nearest to perfection than any other film I have ever seen.

True Grit. That is the name of the book and film. It is first perceived that itâ(TM)s been given that name because the locals of Fort Smith say that is what Rooster Cogburn possesses. On the other hand is it Mattie that shows this â~true gritâ(TM) through her determination to see Chaney dead? Or even LaBoeuf who showed â~true gritâ(TM) to return after leaving the pursuit of Chaney. In my opinion it is all three because they all demonstrate â~true gritâ(TM).

Overall, this is faultless film with brilliant acting, a well written script and some badass cowboys. This film is five stars for me, as it is near to perfection and a must-see blockbuster.