True Grit

This is a remake of the classic John Wayne movie of the same name. The acclaimed filmmakers Joel and Ethan Coen (Fargo, The Big Lebowski, No Country for Old Men) have taken the structure of that Western and imbued it with new life. The story is pretty simple: young Mattie Ross (here played by newcomer Hailee Steinfeld) recruits the drunken, one-eyed U.S. Marshall Rooster Cogburn (Jeff Bridges, replacing Wayne in the role) to help her find the man who killed her father. The villain is played with sinister aplomb by Josh Brolin, with Matt Damon as a Sherriff who aids Mattie and Rooster on their mission.

This might be the Coens’ most straightforward work to date, lacking their signature trademarks. Usually, they thrive when creating an ensemble of quirky characters in screwball situations. It’s remarkable that this Western succeeds with its stellar cast and well-staged action, improving upon the classic in many ways. The best example is Steinfeld as Mattie, upon whom the spotlight is focused this time. Yes, Bridges–who made his iconic mark as The Dude in The Big Lebowski–is fantastic as well. The rest of the cast, including fellow Coen collaborator Brolin–who starred in their Best Picture winner No Country for Old Men–is certainly up for the challenge. But Steinfeld is a revelation: she is the scene-stealer here, and you can’t take your eyes off her because of her charisma and commanding presence.

The direction is of course masterful, as one might expect from the Coen Brothers. The cinematography by the great Roger Deakins captures this gritty Wild West impeccably. The score by Carter Burtwell is terrific. There is even a good bit of levity sprinkled throughout this grim remake. It’s up to viewers to decide whether or not the rather abrupt conclusion provides satisfying closure (which could be said of many of their other films).

Still, whether you are a Coen fan, or simply love a well-made Western, there is a lot to love about this one. I’m sure plenty of audiences will be comparing the classic to this. But even taken on its own terms, it’s a masterpiece in its own right and a sure-fire bullseye for everyone involved.

Rated PG-13

1 hour, 50 minutes