True Grit (critiqued by yours truly)

Watch the Trailer

Starring Jeff Bridges, Matt Damon and Josh Brolin, True Grit is a remake of the 1969 film of the same title, starring John Wayne. When I say "remake", I mean almost literally the same movie but with better actors and the La Boeuf character (Damon) has a bewitching 'stache. I'd link the original trailer, but - MY GOODNESS - they didn't know how to make a good preview back then. It's exceptionally boring and actually ruins the ending...in the official trailer. Say what you will about Hollywood, at least it's not embarrassing anymore.

Anyway, this movie blew me away. And I hate westerns, so...good on ya, Coen Brothers. It starts out with a strangely eloquent fourteen year old girl, named Mattie Ross, seeking a bounty-hunter type to help her hunt down Tom Cheney (shooting runs in the family) and avenge her father's murder. Coincidentally, Hailee Steinfeld, who plays said Mattie Ross, is actually fourteen. Yeah. That hasn't happened since, like, Shirley Temple. Hailee's basically the star, and did a great job to boot - I'm thinking we will all someday look back on the True Grit promo posters and exclaim with bona fide befuddlement, "Why isn't Hailee Steinfeld's name on here and who the poop is Josh Brolin?"

Discussing the film with a few friends, I got a comment that it was boring. I can see that - this is one of those Dialogue Movies, where you're basically just mesmerized by the sheer speech coming out of their mouths, the action being few and far between (Inglourious Basterds is another example of this new genre I just made up), and if that's not your thing, or if you're not in the mood, it probably is somewhat boring.

But other than some occasional slow dialogue (if I'm correct about the duplicate script, then the dialogue was written in the 60's so cut 'em some slack) it's an excellent film.

The humor in the movie is pretty acquired - you have to get into the old western mindset, where "Injuns is savages", Cowpoke is a common term, and the East brings nothin' but death and taxes. Then it's a hog-killin' time.

Over all, this movie surprised me - and I expected to love it already. I give it, as a Cheez-It, 90% Real Cheese. Give it a chance, even if cowboys make you want to hurl copies of Brokeback Mountain at the nearest breakable object.