True Grit

****    4 out of 5

written and directed by Joel and Ethan Coen. Based on the novel by Charles Portis. Running time: 110 minutes. Rated PG-13  

Based on the novel by Charles Portis “True Grit” is a remake of the John Wayne’s 1969 film by the same name. This time around The Coen brothers write and direct this Western tale of revenge.  Mattie’s father is shot and killed by the outlaw Chaney (Josh Brolin) and now Mattie wants payback. Her mother is too grief stricken and her brother is a baby that leaves her with the job of pursuing down the murderer, but she’ll need some help. She is witty and head strong and eventually gets the help of a down and out lawman named Cogburn, who she believes has enough “True Grit” to help her track down Chaney.  Along the way she meets a Texas Ranger only known as LeBoeuf played by Matt Damon, and the three go off on an adventure and discover a few surprises along the way. This film has a simple premise but is filled with some great writing and characterization. Its gets a bit dialogue heavy at times, but is never boring. Jeff Bridges gives another Oscar worthy performance and Matt Damon surprisingly slips in to his character easily. He is a great actor but in this film he really took it to another level. Josh Brolin and Barry Pepper appear briefly but give memorable performances. I believe this film is one of the best written films this year.  It should certainly win a couple of awards for Best adapted Screenplay.  More than anything the character that holds this whole film together is Mattie herself played by the relatively unknown Hailee Steinfeld. She is interesting to watch and holds her own against veteran big time actors, throw in an Oscar nod for her as well.  I don’t think the film itself will win best picture (although the Academy is partial to the Coen Brothers ) but it definitely deserves a nomination. I didn’t like “No Country for Old Men” or “Burn After Reading” but “True Grit” is a welcome surprise and one my favorite Coen Brothers  films.  This is a good ole’ fashion western, surprisingly steered straight forward by two directors who do everything but . Go see it!