True Grit, the 2nd incarnation of Charles Portis' 1968 novel of the same name, tells the story of revenge. Young Mattie Ross (played by Hailee Steinfeld, who i started getting annoyed at half way into the film) sets out to find the man who killed her father. She employs U.S. Marshal Reuben Cogburn (played by Jeff Bridges, in another role i felt fit him in every way possible) to help her in this quest. Along the way, Texas Ranger LaBoeuf (played by Matt Damon) joins them. What follows is a rough, tough cowboy film on par with other Coen brother films, and the best recent period film i have seen in recent months. Of course for me, the fact that the Big Lewboski will always be my favorite Coen brothers film means this will not take over that spot till something that can be as funny and innovative, then i can say it over takes that spot. Which is likely if something funny from them catches my eye, but they have continued with dramatic movies more than black comedy. 
Jeff Bridges is one of my favorite actors, and this role was perfect for him, and he bares strong resemblance to John Wayne's proformance in the 1969 film adaptation. To me, the look of the actors is something that is important in making a remake. A remake does not need to be shot for shot (ahem...looking at you Vince Vaughn...among my other beef with this movie).I like western movies, i love the look of the characters, the look of the locations, and just everything that the wild west embodies. This movie is just awesome in the way it felt watching it. Even Matt Damon helped keep me in the time period, which is kinda hard since I am used to seeing him in such movies as the Bourne Identity and other action oriented films. Overall, i cant give this movie enough praise. However...
As i watched this movie, one thing came to mind. Strong female character out for revenge, a reluctant bringer of law and justice, other similarities to something i have seen before, there is something familiar about this movie.
Yes, watching this movie make me think about Clint Eastwood's Unforgiving. While the overall plot and action are vastly different, i saw a lot of this movie in True Grit. The female lead seeking revenge for the murder of her father i felt was on the same level as the prostitutes in Unforgiving offering a reward for the killing of some cowboys who disfigured one of their own. None of the males wanted anything to do with it. Same idea, different outcome.
Overall, i do recommend this movie, good acting, great soundtrack, and a look of the old west we got in the video game Red Dead Redemption.
I give this movie: * * * 1/2 out of 4
No comments:
Post a Comment