TRUE GRIT (Theatrical Release USA 2010)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.1|5.0 Starsìììì

True Grit—the remake of John Wayne’s 1969 True Grit movie—seems to have some challenges in casting. Jeff Bridges in the portrayal of the U.S. Marshal character is not as strong as the original casting of John Wayne for that part. Hailee Steinfeld seems a little over her head in acting her part, although she is firm and that carries her through the film. Josh Brolin comes across as a little weak as compared to Jeff Corey in the part of Tom Chaney. Barry Pepper, on the other hand, performs as well as, if not a bit better, than the original casting for the part of ‘Lucky’ Ned Pepper. The classic line that Robert Duvall said so well in the original movie, “I call that bold talk for a one-eyed fat man,” does not have the same powerful impact in the remake. Mimicking does not allow freedom to add something new and delightful. The dialogue must become one's own, a part of the personality of the actor. This allows force and impact. It raises the value of the film. This film does receive a higher rating than the original movie because it seems to have a much improved grade of cinematography than the original version. While the Coen Brothers put together a very good remake, it’s not as good as the original movie.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

A young girl teams with a marshal to find her father’s murderer.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Directors Ethan Coen and Joel Coen for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers David Ellison, Megan Ellison, Robert Graf, Paul Schwake, and Steven Spielberg for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Rooster Cogburn (Jeff Bridges), Mattie Ross (Hailee Steinfeld), LaBoeuf (Matt Damon), Tom Chaney (Josh Brolin), Lucky Ned Pepper (Barry Pepper), Colonel Stonehill (Dakin Matthews), Undertaker (Jarlath Conroy), Emmett Quincy (Paul Rae), Moon (Domhnall Gleeson), 40-year-old Mattie (Elizabeth Marvel), Yarnell (Roy Lee Jones), Bear Man (Ed Corbin), Sheriff (Leon Russom), Harold Parmalee (Bruce Green), Boarding House Landlady (Candyce Hinkle), Mr. Lee (Peter Leung), and Cole Younger (Don Pirl).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. If one has not seen the original John Wayne movie, then this movie becomes an over-the-top entertainment piece for the Western movie fan. But, if time is limited, choose the 1969 True Grit over this remake.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers