Grimerlana Plenty to Like, Plenty to Dislike

Odelecol Pretty good movie overall. First half was nothing special but it got better as it went along.

Aiden Melton The storyline feels a little thin and moth-eaten in parts but this sequel is plenty of fun.

Zlatica One of the worst ways to make a cult movie is to set out to make a cult movie.

Pjtaylor-96-138044 'True Grit (2010)' is told with the Coens' signature dancing dialogue, realist yet distinctly cinematic style and slightly absurdist slant, all of which culminate in a very unique yet decidedly well-worn spin on an old tale in (what's arguably) an unfortunately dying genre. It's a feature that adheres just as strongly to the tropes of that genre as it does to the tropes of its head filmmakers' now iconic portfolios. While its perhaps more meditative than some and it certainly isn't an action film by any stretch of the imagination (regardless of its body-count), there's often a sense that the story has been imbued with a slower pace than necessary simply to include long sequences of deliberately cumbersome but unintentionally repetitive back-and-forth banter and odd, almost dream-like asides that serve to paint this version of the old-west as one of strange folk struggling to earn their keep anyway they can, an admirable attempt to introduce some extra - and, actually, unneeded - personality that often falls flat thanks to the fact that the rest of the piece isn't anywhere near as weird - or as slow - as these moments. Still, there's a decent sense of a dusty, rustic style and a no-nonsense tone, both of which combine with the scenery (and screenplay) chewing performances to make for an enjoyable experience. 8/10

merelyaninnuendo True GritCarrying out one's typical textbook western theme and offers it a familiar tale to feed on the audience for almost around 110 minutes, is no ordinary job. Fortunately, the responsible team in here, is trustworthy and doesn't fail to deliver too. The Coen Brothers; as usual is no short on execution and this time has got appropriate editing on their side. The real game changer of the feature is their smart adaptation of Charles Portis' novel that is not only gripping but sensibly thought-provoking. The background score and the costume design is apt for the tone of the feature. The performance is strong and something that factors a lot in its favour, reason being a great star cast on its side. And addition to that, the performance given by them is appreciative too, especially by the protagonist Jeff Bridges who is supported well enough by Hailee Steinfield, Matt Damon and Josh Brolin (no matter how much runtime he gets in here). The writing is more practical than usual western feature does, as there is too much practicality involved in it that sends out this eerie vulnerable feeling in the audience for the characters. True Grit breeds essential sentiments in its self-created grittiness, but still somehow fails to draw out the anticipated emotion from the screen and the reason would be its perspective.

Scott LeBrun Jeff Bridges gets to put his own spin on the character of Reuben "Rooster" Cogburn, first portrayed by an Oscar-winning John Wayne in the 1969 film adaptation. Rooster is hired by a very plucky 14 year old girl, Mattie Ross (debuting Hailee Steinfeld), who wants to avenge her father. Dad was murdered by the cowardly Tom Chaney (Josh Brolin), who made out for Indian territory and who may now be riding with an outlaw, Ned Pepper (Barry Pepper), and his gang. They are joined by a determined Texas Ranger, LaBoeuf (Matt Damon), who wants to arrest Chaney for a crime committed in the Lone Star state.This new version of the Charles Portis novel was scripted and directed by the great filmmaking brothers Joel and Ethan Coen, who treat the material respectfully, even reverently. The dialogue is antiquated, yet quite literate, and it truly comes to life when spoken by this well-chosen cast. The story is straightforward and without filler, the pacing very efficient. Serious at times (and funny at other times), the film never veers too far into melodrama. It hits the ground running, with an older Mattie (Elizabeth Marvel) narrating and giving us the back story of Mr. Ross' killing. Two frequent Coen brothers collaborators work some real magic: cinematographer Roger Deakins, whose widescreen compositions are wonderful, and composer Carter Burwell, whose music is breathtaking.Bridges completely disappears inside the role of the surly, tough, hard drinking marshal, while Damon gives one of his better performances. Brolin and Pepper don't show up until around the 80 minute mark, but do extremely effective work. As soon as you meet Chaney, you know you loathe him; he's that much of a heel. The strong supporting cast includes Dakin Matthews, Paul Rae, Domhnall Gleeson, and Leon Russom; it's also great to see Jarlath Conroy from George Romeros' "Day of the Dead" as the undertaker. But young Steinfeld leaves the greatest impression, giving us a heroine who is capable, determined, and very mature for her age, a girl who can hold her own dealing with a character like Stonehill (Matthews)."True Grit" 2010 is sometimes violent (and strikingly so), but is basically just a good, solid example of impassioned storytelling that maintains viewer interest for the better part of two hours.Eight out of 10.

Harrison Tweed (Top Dawg) I loved everything about this film! I'm not a huge fan of Westerns, but the all star cast is what attracted me to this film. But it was Hailee Steinfeld's performance that won me over! Don't get me wrong, Jeff Bridges, Matt Damon and Josh Brolin were all stellar in their performances, but Hailee stole the show. Directing, writing, editing and cinematography were all outstanding. If you have not seen this gem, do so and you will be glad you did! It's a well deserved 9/10 from me!