Julian Mumford

24 May 2012

Good solid Western with a breakout performance

The Coen brothers, as both joint directors and writers, continue theirmarch towards the cinematic mainstream with this highly accessiblefilm. That can only be a good thing, allowing a wider audience toexperience their gift for storytelling.The brothers here remake or re-imagine the classic western "True Grit",made famous by the iconic presence of John Wayne.Each movie must be judged on it's merits so lets leave 1969 in thepast.1880, the father of fourteen year old Mattie Ross (Steinfield) iscallously killed by "no good" Tom Chaney (Coen regular Josh Brolin).Mattie hires local reprobate Marshall Rooster Cogburn (Jeff Bridges),to hunt down Chaney to avenge her father. Shot down or hung, it makeslittle difference to the no nonsense Mattie.Steinfield is a revelation as Mattie, tough speaking "with no varnishon her words", her deconstruction of a local trader during theirnegotiations is a joy to watch. Sensitive, vulnerable and yet tough asold boots, the film simply would not work without her.The cantankerous Cogburn, along with his beloved whisky, reluctantlytakes Mattie on the trail, where she proves her worth. The pair joiningforces with Texas ranger La Beouf (Damon), in the hunt for the missingfugitive.This is a down and dirty western, attempting to portray the way of lifein a more honest way. It's rough, messy and life is cheap. No one helpsanyone if there's no money in it. The one exception to realism is aprevalence of "Hollywood teeth", which does juxtapose with therealistic array of "tombstone teeth", the splendid character "LuckyNed" (Barry Pepper) possesses.Characters speak slowly and in a roundabout poetic fashion, anapproximation of a time when everything took, just that bit longer.Justice was enforced sporadically and generally to settle pettypersonal scores rather than founded on any legal direction, despite thepresence of courtroom scenes.Bridges gets to act drunk in his underwear again, following his Oscarwinning turn in "Crazy Heart", it will be good to have him back sobernext time. Again, whilst very effective, he does appear as a largerthan life version of the Jeff Bridges we know and may not bring himanother award this Oscar season.The normally ultra urbane Damon, despite initial misgivings, looks andacts the part helped by his character being effectively a fish out ofwater, far from his usual Texas hunting ground."We have no rodeo clowns in Yell County", as Mattie points out upontheir first meeting. The subsequent screen chemistry between the threeis enjoyable to watch.Rooster, emotionally thawing visibly throughout the film, also get somegood lines which are delivered to perfection."Ground's too hard. Them men wanted a decent burial, they should havegot themselves killed in summer. " The film is simple enough tale, goodbad and the grey that exists between the two. Everyone struggles andpeople die violently, with little ceremony, as was the case at thetime. There is little mysticism or being at one with nature, just adesire to survive in inhospitable surroundings. Mostly doing right byothers if you can, but if inconvenient, well what's a man to do.This is not a showy film, there is no mysticism or characters being atone with their surroundings, see "Dances with Wolves". However, thefilm is directed with an assured hand and most importantly does nottake itself too seriously, a liberal sprinkling of humour keeps thelinear story moving along and picks up pace nicely towards the end.It is good to see the brothers have not completely left the slightlysurreal, we have a character dressed head to foot as a bear, buying adead body, "for two dental mirrors and a bottle of expectorant", pureCoen.Summary Not as iconic as "Unforgiven" by which all such films need to be judgedbut well acted and displaying enough humour to pull the story through.Recommended for all western fans and a solid slice of entertainment forthose new to the genre, this is a great place to start.http://julesmoviereviews.blogspot.com/

Chimera-5

24 May 2012

Nope.

I think people are forcing themselves to like it just because of whodirected it, the token self-imposed brainwashing Middle American doesunto itself to identify strongly with something. This is the "WildWest"? Could have fooled me! Only what, three people died total in theentire film? Yes, I know it's based on a book, and I don't care howmany people died in that. I go to a WESTERN, I expect a Western! TheBrothers could have at least give a few nods to Sergio Leone films tokeep you from losing your mind!Speaking of, the girl, EXCRUCIATING! It was like all of her lines weretaken from a mix of fortune cookies and bumper stickers. I wanted toreach through the screen and pry her jaws apart just to not hear anymore of her obnoxious metaphoric dialogue! Nonsense like "Ah reckonwe'll find our objective tomorrow, horse!" Nobody talked like thatthen, I promise. Absolutely ridiculous and nerve-wracking! Jeff Bridges played his role well and does delivery some funny lines,but other than that, it's about as exciting as watching freeze. Irecommend a sedative beforehand, or a power drill to the skull.

22 May 2012

Half baked

This review is from: True Grit (Two-Disc Blu-ray/DVD Combo + Digital Copy) (Blu-ray) I like the movie opening, especially the re-creation of the Arkansas town . It has an authentic feel unseen in any other western. Beyond this the storyline line plays like an average telefilm. I am not too impressed with the caricatural performance of Jeff Bridges . Matt Damon ( one of my favorite actors ) is totally out of step . I guess I expected a lot more after the monumental " No country for old men "

Ivan Rastija

22 May 2012

A True Surprise

Yesterday I bought a Blu-Ray edition of this movie and played it on myplayer. After movie ended I was really satisfied. This movie is NOT a remake of an John Wayne movie from 69'. It's notactual remake, it's more to the book than Hathaway version.Acting is superb. Jeff Bridges, Damon and little Steinfeld brought amovie to a whole new level. I admire Hailee Steinfeld's acting becauseshe was really into the part she was given, and I was amazed. JeffBridges, on the other hand, was playing a cold, fearless sheriff whowas almost always drunk. Just fantastic!Music was very good too, Carter Burwell(The Big Lebowski, Fargo..)This movie is really amazing, Coen brothers made it again...! 10/10

20 May 2012

So much better than the original!

The original movie version of this book was so bad, it was hard to watch. Nobody ever accused John Wayne of being a good actor but Glen Campbell's performance was downright painful. I'm glad somebody finally made a great movie from a great book and who better than the Coen brothers?

gobe-2

19 May 2012

1010 from a guy that does not like western movies

To be honest I was never a big fan of western movies... Somehow I mademyself to watch True Grit - had big doubts about it, but after all itwas Coen brothers movie and it got only positive reviews all overinternet. When the movie had finished I was completely stunned by howthe story got me into it, how interesting and absorbing it was from thevery first minutes!!! The characters were so genuine and extraordinaryin the same time. I guess each of them could have their own individualmovie, but here we had 3 of them crossing their paths of faith. Actingwas just PERFECT - honestly I think this is Bridges best role, not tomention fantastic Damon and brilliant Steinfeld! In addition to thatscenography and photography was excellent. Everything gave the vieweralmost 2 hours of an amazing story, told in the best possible manner.Thank you brothers Coen for this masterpiece!

mooret03

19 May 2012

This is a very good western movie and the technical aspects are well done.

As a long time fan of John Wayne movies, with one of my favorites beingTrue Grit, I was apprehensive of this version before viewing it. By Imust say that the Coen brothers did an excellent job with theiradaptation of the story and their selection of actors to play the roleswas excellent. Jeff Bridges is his own version of Rooster Cogburn andwhile their are similarities he does not attempt to be John Wayne.Hailee Steinfeld brings Mattie Ross to life. Pluses of this film fromthe original are the technical improvements in camera, lighting, andsound effects. Certain scenes are sure to make you jump. Additionalaspects of the film that should be appreciated are the scenery and thecostumes utilized. From the background scenery, to the dusty streets,to the lighting from the camp fires, will help an audience feel as ifthey have gone back in time. The costumes and clothing are well doneand fit the era well. It is apparent that much research was done tomake the time period as realistic as possible.Well done and my recommendation to other fans of the original movie, gointo this with an open mind, avoid comparison to the original, andenjoy a good western! I was not disappointed and I hope that you willnot be either.

buzzbruin

18 May 2012

A great epic film made by 2 great filmmakers

A truly epic beautiful western. The Coen brothers had me with bloodsimple. Fargo is one of the best 100 movies of all time. Their geniusis making a WESTERN whose time has come and gone into a magnificentWESTERN. The Coen Brothers have shown that they can take any subject orgenre and make it into a great movie. They surpass themselves in thisfilm. It is epic and the photography is superlative in color so artfulthat they bring to life the vistas of the west. The film is much closerto the book, unlike the 1969 film. I was never a big fan of John Waynebecause all he did in each film was play John Wayne. Jeff Bridges ISthe person he plays in all of his movies. He is the new kind of modernactor who are portrayed as real people rather than as film stars. MattDamon has quietly become one of the most outstanding actors on screen.My wife and I hardly recognized him at first and his performance wasmiles ahead of Glenn Campbell in the old movie. Subtle and spot on. Theyoung woman was great though too clean for a woman (girl) of the oldwest. (a minor Quibble) I admire greatly Josh Brolin who is not only afine actor but takes on what is really just a Cameo role. The picture,though epic in scope, is tightly filmed and enjoyable in each segment.Oscars ALL AROUND!!

Irie212

17 May 2012

The latest entertainment from the Coen Brothers lab

It is rarely fair to compare a movie to the book it was based on, butremakes of films demand comparison, and "True Grit" is an interestingcase study.The Coen Brothers, as usual, are more about technical skills thancharacter or story, and their "True Grit" is technically superior toHenry Hathaway's. The new version has more appropriate music than theorchestral Elmer Bernstein score in the 1969 original. And Matt Damonis a significant improvement over Glenn Campbell in the role of theTexas Ranger. But so far as I can tell, that's the extent of theimprovements.The cinematography is admirable in both cases, Lucien Ballard's in1969, Roger Deakins's in 2010. The supporting cast measures upsurprisingly well-- Dakin Matthews may even improve on Strother Martinas the horse-trader, and Barry Pepper is a worthy heir to Robert Duvallas the outlaw leader, Ned Pepper. Hailee Steinfeld is steelier than KimDarby, and younger than the 14-year-old character Mattie (Steinfeld was13, Darby was 21), but both interpretations serve the story.However, the 1969 version remains superior for at least two reasons.First, the locations in Colorado's San Juan mountains are glorious,especially in the fall when the aspens turn golden. Austin and environscan't compare. (Neither are true to the novel, which takes place mainlyin Arkansas and present-day Oklahoma.) The original "True Grit" isworth watching if only for the locations, including the old courthousein Ouray.Second, and crucially, John Wayne. I am not a big fan of the Duke's,though I admire his work in some films, particularly Stagecoach, RioBravo (another Henry Hathaway picture), and The Shootist. But he is thebetter Rooster Cogburn by a mile. He imbues the role with dignity,while Jeff Bridges presents a sordid has-been whom we first meet in anouthouse. What's more, although Wayne was more movie star than actor,he did at least manage to speak his lines intelligibly. Bridges is soproud of his acting chops (which are good for Hollywood) that heself-indulgently chews his way through the dialog. It's almost an actof contempt toward the audience, and certainly toward the writers, thathe uses mumbling as character development. I missed half his lines, andonly realized how terse and wise the character was when I watchedWayne's version again.

seandalaya

16 May 2012

True Grit. False ratings. 510 could be too much.

This movie sucked. Not only a remake but it reminded me of the lastmovie I saw, which was also an utter waste time, talent and money -Winter's Bone. This movie by no means feels or flows like a Coen brothers' movie. Thestory and plot were lame and one could anticipate the next scene frommiles away. From the start to the end, the movie couldn't captivate theattention of the audience the way "No Country" did in the first fewminutes and several other of Coen brothers movies that normally do. Almost everyone over-acted, including the very talented Jeff Bridges. Iam not as disappointed in the movie as I am embarrassed for the actorsand the Coen brothers who picked out a bad script and ruined theirtrack record on a remake. Matt Damon had little role to play and Josh Brolin, one of the mosttalented actors, had almost negligible part to play. Ironic that hisscreen name (Chaney) took more space than his actual appearance. The movie's anchor was this 14 year old girl played by Hailee Steinfeldand it seems the movie was financed by Steinfeld's dad or boyfriend toplease her with the biggest part in the movie. This is a low grade production and too sad that Coen brothers will haveto live with this low end, high budget failure for the rest of theirHollywood career.

15 May 2012

Top notch Western

Being a fan of "The Duke" I couldn't imagine a good remake of True Grit. The story line varied a little from the original in the way everyone spoke at the time. Cowboys were always portrayed as blunt ignorant characters, But in this remake they recreated the proper use of English that everyone spoke in the 1800's. Similar to how civil war letters were written. In this respect the movie takes on a realism that demands attention.A great movie in its own right, You won't be disappointed.

14 May 2012

True Grit is Truly Great!

I don't think anyone can ever really be Rooster Cogburn except the original John Wayne. That being said, Jeff Bridges is really wonderful in this role. He's a grittier and nastier version of Rooster. Matt Damon is so much better than Glen Campbell was in the role of the Texas Ranger, and the young girl who plays Mattie is an absolute revelation. The Coen brothers have remade a classic and iconic film, and this remake will itself become a classic I am sure. It's realistic, dirty, violent and harsh, as life really was for people who lived in the "wild west" during that time. But it also has at its heart the story of young Mattie whose unwavering devotion to her father and true grit of her own lead us all on an unforgettable adventure.This movie gives us a little more of an ending than the original even showing the grown up Mattie and letting us know what became of Marshall Cogburn. For fans of westerns and especially fans of the original True Grit, you shouldn't miss this movie.

13 May 2012

I Can Watch The Greatest Movie Anytime I Want

This review is from: True Grit (DVD) I loved this movie. Saw it 3 times in the theater and now I can watch it as many times as I want.Love the story, characters and the real life essence the movie delivers.

Matthew Harkin

13 May 2012

Asbsoloutely brilliant.

Ever since playing Red Dead Redemption, I've began to find Westernmovies very interesting. So, when I first heard about this film, It wasdefinitely a must see for me. It didn't disappoint in the slightest. Ihaven't seen the original movie, so I can't compare, but for what itis, this film is outstanding. Jeff Bridges and Matt Damon giveexcellent performances, and I'm usually not keen on Damon. Thestoryline is brilliant, and very atmospheric. A lovely, characterdriven film. There's some very touching scenes, which don't feel forcedin the slightest. The Coen Brothers certainly know how to draw out somelovely performances, and the cinematography in this was brilliant.Overall, a fantastic film. Highly recommended.

wondergirl1311

12 May 2012

One of the Best Films

I have seen many films and I think true grit is one of the best becausethis was a brilliant film with very great characters. I could not thinkof better way to spend my weekend then seeing it. Its story line ismost successful and which will touch the hearts of many people, it is agreat on take of the earlier one. Any one who likes old wild west filmswill enjoy this is well as people who have a soft side for horses.Ilove this film to pieces because of the spectacular actors giving thereal emotion of trying to reach your goal is most amazing but also thebrilliant country side and of course the funny side of a serious storythat will make you laugh the whole way though thanks to the brilliantacting of Jeff but of course the story would not be amazing with outthe seriousness of Matts character and the determination of Haillies. Iwould think its a excellent film of actions and determination and wouldrecommended it to all who enjoy action, funny or great stories. Butalso for people who believe in trying to complete your goal at whatevercosts and whatever people say or do to prevent it from happening andbelieving in it when others don't. I certainly enjoyed this film and Ithink other people will to.

micahas

12 May 2012

Not what I expected....

OK, True Grit was a very well made movie, it had a great cast withgreat performances. It had beautiful scenery and the Coen brothers paidvery close attention to detail. Having said that, it was not at allwhat I expected, I didn't realize it was a comedy, and that's what itwas more or less. It was laugh out loud funny, and the audience andmyself laughed throughout, but I could have swore the movie was about agirl avenging her fathers death, but that played a back seat role tothe comedy. I don't know, I just expected some No Country for Old Menintensity at some point, but there was none. The girl barely evenseemed bothered that her father was just murdered. So it was anentertaining film, but if your looking for a "gritty" Unforgiven typewestern, this is not it

phatdan

11 May 2012

A little overwritten

Another cinematic masterpiece by the Coen Bros. Jeff Bridges plays thetitle. He carries it off very well and should win the Oscar for bestactor. The simplistic story has enough to keep our interest. The PG-13rating is almost R for violence.Attention to detail and authenticity has become a Coen picturestrademark. However, as Shakespeare used language only the learned(aristocracy) could understand, so the Coens write for the screen. Notthat the dialogue is beyond most people's cognitive skills, but it veryoften requires more attention than normal to be understood. This can bea problem for some. Yet for others, the sublime eloquence that only aHarvard English professor could lay bare can be very enjoyable.If this is to be taken as a flaw in film making, it can be argued thatit contradicts authenticity because it contradicts reality. Most folkjust don't talk that way; never have and never will. But the Coens, nodoubt, have a creative need to demonstrate their clever use oflanguage. And clever it is. Very.

Stefan Bockmann

11 May 2012

Best Film Of 2010

I have to say, despite a Coen Brothers fan, a Roger Deakins fan, a JeffBridges fan and a Matt Damon fan, I still didn't think that 'True Grit'would be THAT good.Everything from the acting (particularly that of Hailee Steinfeld), thecinematography, the dialogue and general script and direction from CoenBrothers was evidentially superb throughout. In the film possesses aviolent nature at times while carrying a charm and wittiness in all thecharacters. There are also some classic signs of Coen Brothers trademarks shown, particularly in the dialogue which will amuse their fansno matter if their favourite film is 'Miller's Crossing' or 'The BigLebowski'.I hope that Roger Deakins get's an academy award for his work on thisfilm. The shots he has produced are stunning, yet again, and anomination would just not do this masterpiece justice.I think that the majority of people slandering this film are watchingit in the wrong perspective. It was never meant to be a remake, but atruer adaptation of the book. I think a lot of people will go into thefilm expecting a modern version of what they saw several decades ago.And this is why they would be disappointed. Jeff Bridges is NOT trying to be like John Wayne. Get over it.It just is not the same film. It's not even trying to be anything likeit, and I think once John Wayne fanatics start accepting that, they'llhave a more open mind to it and watch it for what it is; a filmadaptation of a book.

08 May 2012

Dont Waste Your Money

I wasn't impressed with the actors, acting or script. True Grit / Rooster Cogburn is John Wayne and will always be John Wayne. As to the Coen Brothers ... I have yet to find a movie they made that I liked. They are way overrated. As a film buff with thousands in my collection, this definitely wont' be one of them.

08 May 2012

True Grit (2010) is brilliant!

"True Grit" (2010) is brilliant! This is how the story goes: Fourteen-year-old Mattie Ross's father has been shot in cold blood by the coward Tom Chaney, and she is determined to bring him to justice. Enlisting the help of a trigger-happy, drunken U.S. Marshal Rooster Cogburn, she sets out with him -- over his objections -- to hunt down Chaney. Her father's blood demands that she pursue the criminal into Indian territory and find him before a Texas Ranger named LeBoeuf catches him and brings him back to Texas for the murder of another man. The cast led by Jeff Bridges (superb as Rooster Cogburn), Matt Damon (as LeBoeuf), Josh Brolin (as Tom Chaney) & Hailee Steinfeld (in a star-making performance as Mattie Ross) is brilliant! The screenplay (based on Charles Portis' novel) & directing by Joel & Ethan Coen (both of them also produced & film edited as Roderick Jaynes) is brilliant! The music by Carter Burwell (who, recently did the music to "The Kids Are All Right" (2010) & has done the music to all the Coen Brothers movies) is brilliant! The cinematography by Roger Deakins (who also did the cinematography to "The Company Men" (2011) & has done the cinematography to all the Coen Brothers movies, with the expectation of "Burn After Reading" (2008), since "Barton Fink" (1991) is brilliant! The casting by Ellen Chenoweth (who also did the casting to the upcoming "Men In Black III" (2012) & has been doing the casting to the Coen Brother movies since "O Brother, Where Art Thou?" (2000), Jo Edna Boldin (who also did the casting to "The Missing" (2003), "Terminator Salvation" (2009), the upcoming "Paul" (2011) & "Fright Night" (2011) & Rachel Tenner (who also did the casting to "A Serious Man" (2009, which was directed, produced, written and film edited by the Coen Brothers) is brilliant! The production design by Jess Gonchor (who also did the production design to "Fair Game" (2010) & the upcoming "Moneyball" (2011) & has been doing the production design to the Coen Brothers movies since "No Country For Old Men" (2007) is brilliant! The art direction by Stefan Dechant (who also did the art direction to "What Lies Beneath" (2000), "Cast Away" (2000), "Jarhead" (2005), "Lady In The Water" (2006), "Avatar" (2009), "Alice In Wonderland" (2010) & the upcoming "Sucker Punch" (2011) & Christina Ann Wilson (supervising art director) (who also did the art direction to "Jarhead", "Lady In The Water", "Righteous Kill" (2008), "Shutter Island" (2010) & "Alice In Wonderland") is brilliant! The set decoration by Nancy Haigh (who also did the set decoration to the upcoming "Moneyball" (2011) & has done the set decoration to the Coen Brothers movies since "Miller's Crossing" (1990) is brilliant! The costume design by Mary Zophres (who also did the costume design to "Iron Man 2" (2010) & the upcoming "Cowboys & Aliens" (2011) & has been doing the costume design to the Coen Brothers movies since "Fargo" (1996) is brilliant! This is a brilliant film that keeps you thinking and on the edge of your seat at the same time. This is a well-made western that is one of the best westerns in a while. This is one of the best films of the year. The Coen Brothers are on a superb roll with well-made movies that keep you entertained and interested. This is an impressive and rare remake that is brilliant and better than its original.