“A REMAKE MISTAKE”
Starring: Jeff Bridges, Matt Damon, Josh Brolin, Hailee Steinfeld and Barry Pepper
Directed by: Joel Coen, Ethan Coen
MPAA Rating: PG-13 for some intense sequences of western violence including disturbing images
Running Time: 1hr 50min
Genre: Action/Adventure, Western, Adaptation and Remake
Release Date: December 22nd, 2010
Distributed by: Paramount Pictures
By John Delia
Not many westerns get an opportunity for a remake, and frankly True Grit should not have fallen to Hollywood’s whim. Outside of some brief signs of good acting, there isn’t much more to cheer about. Even the cinematography in this outing, which was a big part of the original, doesn’t make the film any better. If you have already seen True Grit with John Wayne, then I do not recommend seeing it all over again with Jeff Bridges.
At the center of the plot is 14-year-old Mattie Ross (Hailee Steinfeld) who sets out for a western town to pick-up the belongings of her murdered father. Upon arrival the undertaker reveals the killer and the headstrong girl decides to avenge her father by bringing the culprit to justice. But, without a chance at her size and stature she hires Rooster Cogburn (Bridges) an ex-marshal who’s drinking habit is as well known as the kills he has made in the name of the law. When the two finally set out together, things start to get difficult and then dangerous.
The movie plot is a good one that helped get John Wayne his only academy award for acting. Although some say the Oscar was overdue and the award really honored his body of work, I cannot agree. The crotchety old one-eyed Marshall that he played was head and shoulders above any of the actors nominated that year. And, although Jeff Bridges does a good job in the same role, Wayne was still a better fit.
I generally like the Coen Brothers films (No Country For Old Men), and know it sounds a little trite, but “if it isn’t broken, don’t try to fix itâ€. And the expression holds true here. The acting, direction and action in the original were head and shoulders above the new True Grit. Even though it’s hard to compare something that is only available on DVD, outside of Bridges performance, the rest of the acting crew failed to make the plot believable or enjoyable. In most of the scenes it seemed like the characters were weak and listless. Even Matt Damon couldn’t make me believe that he’s portraying a powerful Texas Ranger.
I do have to admit that, although not on screen for very long, Barry Pepper (as Lucky Ned Pepper) was the meanest looking varmint that has been on screen in a long time. A tip of my cowboy hat to Barry Pepper’s great performance it’s a spark among the dieing embers.
The film is rated PG-13 for some intense sequences of western violence including disturbing images.
FINAL ANALYSIS: Why remake a good thing, rent the original? (1.5 of 5)