True Grit
I didn’t get to see the movie when it was out, and frankly, though I am a big fan of the Coen brothers, having the Dude be Rooster Cogburn and Matt Damon be LeBoef, just was a recipe for suck that I was unwilling to drop $15 on,
And then I saw it in the rummage bin at Walmart. For $5.
So I bought it, and watched it tonight.
This is a lot damned better movie than I expected, and frankly, Jeff Bridges and Matt Damon show off some incredible acting chops. I’m a tiny bit annoyed I didn’t see it on the bigscreen, but for $5, and for being able to see it now, anytime I want?
Well worth it. And nicely done, Messr’s Coen.
14 comments Og | Uncategorized
It was awsome on the big screen with surround sound.
The young lady lead was terrific.
Not bad for 5 bucks, boy. Still haven’t seen it. To my eternal shame.
I’ll want to borrow it and watch it on the old blab slab. :)
Thanks for the thumbs up review, Og. I have heretofore been unable to convince Yeoldfurt it might actually be worth watching. Now… maybe…
Yannow, I worship at the altar of the Duke as much as the next man, but this was well done. Damned well done. I was impressed even by the language, it was extremely well researched and acted.
Og, saw it first on the big screen, and as soon as it came out on video, I grabbed it. I’ve watched it five times since then. Great movie, and I think it puts Wayne’s version to bed.
Glad you enjoyed it.
At some point we need to see this. I just can’t picture anyone else as Cogburn though and Matt Damon really lost me due to his inane political mumblings.
But I’ll trust your review on this and make the trip to Walmart. For $5, I’ll give it a shot.
Oh, I still like the Wayne version just fine. The Duke was such a big man, and had such a big presence, that he made whatever film he was in. On the other hand, the Coen brothers made the film real, and very personal.
Midwest Chick: You’re welcome to borrow my copy (After Ed’s done with it!) and watch it first, then decide.
This film is extremely real, to my way of thinking. And I share your feelings about MATT DAMON!!! but trust me on this, this was damned good.
I liked both version, and like the book as well. The Coens’ version is not more faithful to the book than the Wayne version, which was their supposed reason for making it; it just takes liberties in other ways than Wayne’s version did. I’d have loved to see Bridges do the “rat writ” scene, but the Coens chose not to include that.
There were parts of the Coen Bros. film I liked, but to me and my narrow view Bridges doesn’t even come close to Wayne in the movie and he left me untouched (kinda the way Campbell left me in the first one).
Of the two versions; I’ll still vote for the 1969 version, even with Glenn Campbell and Kim Darby, who were terrible when compared to this latest edition…
All The Best,
Frank W. James
There is certainly no way Bridges compares to Wayne. He did a good job and the character was believable. The Duke made it come off the screen, and i will always prefer the original, but this was still good enough to see and enjoy.
I’m stilled pissed off that girl didn’t get nominated for Best Actress!
They put her up for supporting actress…who the hell was she supporting?
THE WHOLE DAMN MOVIE IS ABOUT HER!
Also, she did an incredible job. Can’t wait to see where her career goes (as long as she stays away from that Damon clown…)
I actually hated Wayne, because he was such an overkill. But True Grit, and The Cowboys, and The Shootist. By God, he was brilliant.