Directed By: Joel and Ethan Coen

Written By: Joel and Ethan Coen

Genre: Western, Drama, Action

Running Time: 1 hr. 50 min.

In Theaters: January 26

Starring: Jeff Bridges, Matt Damon, Josh Brolin and Hailee Steinfeld

True Grit is the story of a headstrong young girl of fourteen named Mattie, who sets out on a journey to find, and bring to justice a man named Tom Chane (Josh Brolin), who killed her father. To do this Mattie Enlists the help of Rooster Cogburn, a tough, yet barely functional alcoholic US Marshall, with a notorious tendency for violence. The two are eventually accompanied by a Texas Ranger by the name of LeBeoeuf, who is pursuing the same man.

One thing that I liked about this movie, was the way that it remains engaging and interesting without needing to tack on needless morals or symbolism. There’s no hidden message, there’s no twist, it’s just a very good movie, and it doesn’t need any cheap gimmicks to accomplish that.

All of the main characters are interesting and well crafted. Each of them possessing the individual depth that can only come from such a small cast.
Jeff Bridges as Rooster Cogburn fills the role of the tough, yet broken Marshall perfectly. His babbling monologues and drunken antics contrasting with the times when conflict erupts, and we see just how deadly and capable he is.
And I’m no fan of Matt Damon, but I really enjoyed his character in the film. The approach taken with him was interesting, in that, despite being a cocky Texas Ranger full of tall tales and bravado, he turns out to be exactly what he makes himself out to be. 

Surprisingly enough though, Jeff Bridges character is not the standout performance, and despite being considered so, he’s obviously not even the main role. Both of these titles rest upon the shoulders of newcomer Hailee Steinfeld. I cannot overstate how refreshing it was to see a genuinely talented child actor in a movie. Usually what I’m treated to, is a whiny piece of luggage, useful only to scream loudly, and drag the protagonist into stupidly dangerous situations. 

Thankfully, Mattie is actually a very likable, very well played character. She’s headstrong, independent, and can think and talk for herself. Mattie’s not luggage, she’s the first child character since Kick Ass’s Hit Girl that can actually get something done for herself.

Also, I liked the way that the villain in True Grit (Josh Brolin) isn’t some kind of philosophical embodiment of all evil, he’s a poorly educated opportunist, and his encounters with Mattie are very interesting, not to mention refreshingly different from the norm. 

Apart from that, what can I say? It’s well shot, the music and sound work for the film, and I enjoyed it a lot. It’s a difficult movie to review, because there isn’t really much to say about True Grit. There’s nothing particularly special, or worth mentioning about it.

Should you go see it? Without a doubt. Is it anything new and special? No.
And that’s not a bad thing. It’s nothing new, but it’s well made enough to make that irrelevant. I give it 5 pluses out of 6, go see True Grit.

-Reviewed by Jack Kelleher