Rating:  

Skydance Productions, Scott Rudin Productions, Mike Zoss Productions, and Paramount Pictures.

Written by: Joel Coen and Ethan Coen, adapted from the novel “True Grit” by Charles Portis.

Regarded as one of the most-revered Western films and stories of all time, “True Grit” earned John Wayne an Oscar for 1969′s Best Actor for a grizzled and darkly comedic turn as Rooster Cogburn, a down on his luck former U.S. Marshal who is hired by a 14-year old girl to assist in her efforts to track down the man who murdered her father. Adapted from Charles Portis’ acclaimed novel, “True Grit” spawned two sequels and has stood the test of time amongst many classic film and Western movie fans.

And now the Coen Brothers have come along and put their spin on the story. Excitingly, “True Grit” is a film that rarely fails and stands as an authentic throwback to the beloved Western films from long ago. Many wondered what The Coen Brothers would do with the film and this story, debating in what way their unique approach to storytelling would find its way into the narrative of this classic. Surprisingly and effectively, The Coen Brothers have made their most accessible and mainstream film to date, a moving and engagingly funny tale of retribution, determination, kinship, and love.

Overseeing brilliant casting choices, a virtual given with any Coen Brothers production, Oscar winners Jeff Bridges, Matt Damon, and previous Oscar nominee Josh Brolin all shine in their roles here. Bridges is gruff, leathery, and grumbling in the Rooster Cogburn role. Damon stands out as the cantankerous and peculiar LaBeouf, a Texas Ranger also on the trail of the murderer, and Brolin, in a smaller but effective turn, plays Tom Chaney, the wanted man. The great find and incredible discovery comes with the work of newcomer Hailee Steinfeld in the role as 14-year old Mattie Ross. More on her in a moment.

The basic premise of “True Grit” focuses on the death of Mattie Ross’ father, at the hands of one of his workers, in 1877. Mattie, 14, is a whipsmart and wise soul, who has the innate ability to outsmart and out-talk lawyers, businessman, and virtually anyone she comes into contact with. After confusing and outwitting a Colonel her father had transacted with prior to his death, Mattie seeks out a recommendation on someone that would be available to help her on her quest. Provided three options, she is warned up front about Rooster Cogburn, a downtrodden former U.S. Marshal whose ruthless and fierce reputation has been tempered by a love of the bottle. Banking, literally, on Cogburn’s reputation, Mattie seeks him out in an effort to convince him to vanquish her father’s death.

As Cogburn and Mattie set out on their quest to find Tom Chaney , they cross paths with LaBeouf. LaBeouf is seeking Chaney’s head for an unrelated suspected murder and begrudgingly, Cogburn and Mattie allow him to tag along on their journey. The quick wit and timing between Damon and Bridges is very funny and amplifies an unexpected humor which permeates through much of the film.

The performances in “True Grit” are all effective and memorable, but none more so than with newcomer Hailee Steinfeld. Simply a revelation here in her big screen debut, Steinfeld more than holds her own with Bridges and Damon and Brolin and others in the cast. Much of the film is placed on her shoulders and her clever, quick wit, provide many of the film’s richest memories.

The Coen Brothers have an avid and loyal fanbase and many expected the Coens would take the “True Grit” story and shake it up somewhat. Instead, they have thrown a bit of a curveball and stuck close to the source material, adhering to it much tighter than the original films seems to do. Jeff Bridges gives a fantastic performance as Rooster Cogburn, spitting and coughing up his slurred words and grumbled speech, while constantly in a place of unease. Bridges develops a wonderful rapport with Hailee Steinfeld’s Mattie and their interactions are a joy to behold. Seeing Cogburn’s walls and fences chipped at and chopped down by Mattie in scene after scene is a testament to some of the best writing the Coens have ever brought to the screen.

Along with the terrific work by the ensemble, the Coens again work with their legendary cinematographer Roger Deakins for an 11th time and Deakins aims to show you every ounce of dirt, grime, and dust. As expected, the film looks fantastic and when you add in Carter Burwell’s 15th score for the Coen Brothers; one which defines much of the film’s engaging pace and rhythm, this is quickly near the top of the Coen Brothers’ impressive body of work.

For those Coen Brothers detractors, “True Grit” will arrive as a pleasant surprise. Western fans can rest easy that a legendary film of the genre has not been tampered with or ruined. I would argue that the film is better and more rewarding than the original. The Coens even hit a rare and pure emotional moment in the film’s final minutes, one that solidifies a father/daughter bond between Cogburn and Mattie.

After all these years and all their groundbreaking films, and acknowledging a couple of misfires along the way, the Coen Brothers never fail to surprise me. “True Grit” is terrific from start to finish and provides just the latest example as to why Joel and Ethan Coen, as directors, writers, editors, and producers, are consistently at the center of the discussion when identifying just who are the finest contemporary filmmakers of the last 20+ years.

Should I See It?

Simply stated, you are a fan of the Coen Brothers.

A straightforward Western will make many long for the genre’s best days – days which have seemingly passed. When you add in top notch technical presentation and the acting on display, this is a win for all moviewatchers.

There really isn’t enough to be said about Hailee Steinfield’s arrival in this film. A virtual unknown, she won a highly coveted role and in turn, won the hearts of the crew, her fellow actors, and audiences. Her interplay with Bridges, and Brolin, and Damon, and others is worth seeing.

For its surprising humor and affecting emotional conclusion. There is very little to not like about anything happening here.

If you fall on the side of disliking Coen Brothers films, you will not be interested. Although in full dsiclosure, this is their most direct and accessible film to date. Those issues you may have with their prior films are largely absent here.

There is no one who can make you watch any Western, no matter how good, for any reason whatsoever.

I suppose an argument could be made for why this movie had to be remade as it is not as if people were clamoring for this film and story to get a redo.

If you are an avid lover of the most quirky and left-of-center Coen Brothers films, this may throw you for a loop and you may actually dislike the approach and end result.