True Grit is the tale of an intelligent and spunk-mouthed 14 year old girl Mattie Ross (Hailee Steinfield) who has her mind made up on traking down her father’s killer Tom Chaney (Josh Brolin). In this Western genre Mattie sets out on her journey with the aid from Texas Ranger LaBeouf (Matt Damon) and lawman Rooster Cogburn (Jeff Bridges). Together they set out through Indian country to find and capture Tom Chaney and bring him to justice, each with their seperate intentions. Mattie wanting revenge and justice through the law to bring Chaney back to her town to be hanged, Cogburn out for the money that Mattie hired him for, and LeBeouf to bring Chaney back to the state of Texas to claim a large cash reward.
The Coen brothers are responsible for this piece of cinema beauty. Through the film you find a lot of respect and homage paid to the original as they revisit John Wayne’s 1969 classic. While the lot of the viewers may not have watched the original, have no fear! For this western flick does not need the original to be a good film, this is definitely not one to miss out on. For those of you who have watched the original film with John Wayne and Glen Campbell, you may find that this updated version is a bit better than the original that won John Wayne an Oscar.
Jeff Bridges, less than a week after Tron: Legacy was released makes a total 180 degree performance from Kevin Flynn to Rooster Cogburn. Both of which he played such dynamically opposing characters. In True Grit, Bridges puts up a remarkable performance in the garb of the mumbled mouth, gun blazing, alcoholic lawman. Jeff Bridges bring true justice to the Cogburn character who was originally played by the legendary John Wayne. Making the character his own, and bringing a new life to the character, Jeff Bridges may have one upped Wayne on this astounding performance.
Matt Damon played his role well also bringing in a tough yet witty performance that enhances the story. It is a bit difficult to recognize Damon under the cowboy, Texas Ranger get up at first, but he brings in a strong performance in his character Lebeouf as well. The two definitely brought life to the characters and mesh well on the screen as they toss their dialogue at one another.
Though Damon and Bridges came out strong, young Hailee Steinfield outshines and catches the attention of the audience, despite the fact that she has been casted alongside some iconic, Oscar winning actors. Steinfeld comes out strong with her own character and is looking to be a strong candidate in the Oscar race.
The pacing of the film is brisk, bringing back the older Western genre feel to the big screen. It’s full of entertainment and fun. Direction and script were within the A-class and acting is astounding within the characters. The score being kept within the signature western theme, and knowing the Coen brothers they piece together a great combination of site and sound.
The film is definitely worth going to the movies for even if you are not a fan of the Western genre. A pleasant time at the movies, the film deserves the highest marks from this review. 5 out of 5 reels since I cannot go any higher. 
