Mattie Ross hires alcoholic U.S. Marshal Ruebon "Rooster" Cogburn to help her track down her father's killer, drifter Tom Chaney, so she can kill him out of revenge. Despite his problems and strange ways, Rooster persists in the hunt leading them on a grueling chase. Along for the ride is a Texas Ranger who has also been hunting Chaney. . .for years.
Jeff Bridges (Rooster), Hailee Steinfeld (Mattie), Matt Damon (LaBoeuf), Josh Brolin (Tom Chaney), Barry Pepper (Pepper), Dakin Matthews (Col. Stonehill), Jarlath Controy (Undertaker).
True Grit starts off pretty well with an interesting demonstration of Rooster Cogburn's personality, including some of the quirks. After some more plot setup and character development the story finally gets rolling and the chase is on. But rather than a sprint, this chase is more like a drunken, wobbly, plod that is so close to falling down it is almost ridiculous. The story was decent enough but the film lacked the energy to make things truly exciting.
Acting was better than expected with Bridges actually able to hold on to his accent for more than a few minutes. Steinfeld was entertaining and it would be interesting to see her in a role where she didn't have to be so stiff. Damon seemed out of character but did pretty well with his part, though a more seasoned and rugged actor would have had an easier time. Camera work, sets, and backgrounds were good including natural scenery. Action was decent and fit the film well. Dialogue and sound were nicely done.
Overall True Grit needed a bit more grit itself to be a truly good film. Instead, it is mediocre and like its namesake, bland and a bit hard to swallow after a while. Die-hard Western genre fans may enjoy this one while others will probably be disappointed.
With foul language, violence, and mild blood this should be fine for teens and above.
True Grit is no longer showing in any Littleton Colorado movie theatres.
Released: 2010
Reviewed: 6.30.10
Star rating: 3 out of 5
copyright ©2010 Dave Riedel
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