True Grit Reviews Thread
#1
DVD Talk Legend
Thread Starter
True Grit Reviews Thread
Since the Fockers got one, I figure something like this needs one as well. Also, I mean the remake, not the original for those that might want to be cute and comment on Glen Campbell and the Duke.
Currently 97% at Rottentomatoes as of this posting. Hoping to see it soon , maybe tonight.
My only request for the reviews is that you keep them mindful and respectful of other people's opinions. Remember, not everyone worships the ground upon which the Coen Bros. tread. Furthermore, please refrain from using obscenity/profanity in the reviews. I have always seen that as unneccesary if you disliked the movie. Just state it, and leave it be without vulgarity. Thanks!
Currently 97% at Rottentomatoes as of this posting. Hoping to see it soon , maybe tonight.
My only request for the reviews is that you keep them mindful and respectful of other people's opinions. Remember, not everyone worships the ground upon which the Coen Bros. tread. Furthermore, please refrain from using obscenity/profanity in the reviews. I have always seen that as unneccesary if you disliked the movie. Just state it, and leave it be without vulgarity. Thanks!
#3
DVD Talk Hero
Re: True Grit Reviews Thread
Oh, the keen dialogue in "True Grit" was delievered quite well, even if half of it was spit out by a precocious 14-year, Mattie Ross (Hailee Steinfeld), whose father is killed by Tom Chaney and she wants justice against the backdrop of the wild wild west. Mattie's determination to avenge her father's death leads her to Rooster Cogburn (Jeff Bridges), a federal marshall with his own storied history on the manhunt trail, and LaBoeuf (Matt Damon) who is a Texas Ranger on the same trail for a different murder.
The Coen Brothers do a fine job with the script, and directing this film filled with entertaining performances from the main 3 characters in the film. Roger Deakins works his cinematography magic once again, albeit in a more subtle manner. While it probably won't win them Oscars this go-around, it's a worthy addition to the genre of the Cowboy Westerns. Could Jeff Bridges get another Best Actor Oscar nomination for this role, it remains to be seen, but he got a lot of mileage out of the role/script.
I give it 3.75 stars, or a grade of A-.
The Coen Brothers do a fine job with the script, and directing this film filled with entertaining performances from the main 3 characters in the film. Roger Deakins works his cinematography magic once again, albeit in a more subtle manner. While it probably won't win them Oscars this go-around, it's a worthy addition to the genre of the Cowboy Westerns. Could Jeff Bridges get another Best Actor Oscar nomination for this role, it remains to be seen, but he got a lot of mileage out of the role/script.
I give it 3.75 stars, or a grade of A-.
#5
Banned by request
Re: True Grit Reviews Thread
Another winner from the Coens. Bridges was tremendous in a role that was a really wonderful departure for him. Damon was also very good, but man did Hailee Steinfeld blow me away. What an incredible performance. If she isn't nominated for best supporting actress then the Academy is blind.
It was nice to see the Coens do a genuine western after they updated the genre with No Country For Old Men. I totally bought into it and the world they set up.
It was nice to see the Coens do a genuine western after they updated the genre with No Country For Old Men. I totally bought into it and the world they set up.
#6
DVD Talk Legend
Thread Starter
Re: True Grit Reviews Thread
Saw it. I have to say, the Coens know how to capture the look and feel of an old time Western. The performances were top notch, and the cinematography was great. They stayed pretty true to the book for the most part, but still found time to instill bits of their quirkiness. The only weakness I saw (though not for me) was one really had to have A) read the book, B) seen the original, and C) be a fan of the old style Western to get the full enjoyment out of this. Some of the characters , like the man who made animal noises, were in the book and original, but without prior knowledge would just seem goofy. In essence, this is a movie made for film buffs more than anything else. I give it 3.5 stars or a grade of A-.
Bridges continues to amaze me. This character is kind of that Bad Blake from Crazy Heart would have been had he lived in this era, and in all likelihood sang about in his day. I couldn't help but get a Dude vibe whenever Rooster rolled one of his cigarettes.
Bridges continues to amaze me. This character is kind of that Bad Blake from Crazy Heart would have been had he lived in this era, and in all likelihood sang about in his day. I couldn't help but get a Dude vibe whenever Rooster rolled one of his cigarettes.
#7
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Re: True Grit Reviews Thread
The tacked-on ending felt forced and fake. Almost like they ran out of money and ideas and just said "the hell with this crap".
Other than that, it was a kick-ass, smartly written and directed movie.
Other than that, it was a kick-ass, smartly written and directed movie.
#9
#10
Banned by request
Re: True Grit Reviews Thread
I'm willing to bet the Academy will consider her supporting. And she has a better chance of winning that category. Natalie Portman or Annette Bening will take best actress.
#11
DVD Talk Hero
Re: True Grit Reviews Thread
Loved it - that's all. And that ending was in the book, and was just fine.
And I feel that, technically, Steinfeld was the lead, as she had more lines and screentime than anyone else in the cast, including Bridges.
And I feel that, technically, Steinfeld was the lead, as she had more lines and screentime than anyone else in the cast, including Bridges.
#12
Banned by request
Re: True Grit Reviews Thread
I have no problem accepting her as the lead, I'm just willing to bet the Academy won't nominate it that way.
Then again, anyone with a screener, what is she listed under consideration for?
Then again, anyone with a screener, what is she listed under consideration for?
#13
DVD Talk Ultimate Edition
Re: True Grit Reviews Thread
Yes it is.
The ending felt a bit jarring but I agree with Suprmallet about it being a fitting coda.
It was a very faithful adaptation of the original book but I love what the Coens added to the material. The Bear-Man, the hanging man and the kicking of the Indian children were excellent additions.
Everyone was fantastic in their roles. Bridges and Steinfeld carried the movie very well and both put forward stellar performances. Damon played the Texan very well and Barry Pepper was outstanding in his small part. I love what they did with the Chaney character and how Brolin pulled it off. It was also cool to hear J.K. Simmons as lawyer Daggett.
Definitely another home-run for the Coens.
The ending felt a bit jarring but I agree with Suprmallet about it being a fitting coda.
It was a very faithful adaptation of the original book but I love what the Coens added to the material. The Bear-Man, the hanging man and the kicking of the Indian children were excellent additions.
Everyone was fantastic in their roles. Bridges and Steinfeld carried the movie very well and both put forward stellar performances. Damon played the Texan very well and Barry Pepper was outstanding in his small part. I love what they did with the Chaney character and how Brolin pulled it off. It was also cool to hear J.K. Simmons as lawyer Daggett.
Definitely another home-run for the Coens.
#14
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#21
DVD Talk Limited Edition
Re: True Grit Reviews Thread
I am getting serious fucking wood thinking of seeing this movie. Might have to watch some Deadwood later just to avoid a nocturnal emission.
#22
Banned by request
#24
DVD Talk Legend
Re: True Grit Reviews Thread
Oh, the keen dialogue in "True Grit" was delievered quite well, even if half of it was spit out by a precocious 14-year, Mattie Ross (Hailee Steinfeld), whose father is killed by Tom Chaney and she wants justice against the backdrop of the wild wild west. Mattie's determination to avenge her father's death leads her to Rooster Cogburn (Jeff Bridges), a federal marshall with his own storied history on the manhunt trail, and LaBoeuf (Matt Damon) who is a Texas Ranger on the same trail for a different murder.
The Coen Brothers do a fine job with the script, and directing this film filled with entertaining performances from the main 3 characters in the film. Roger Deakins works his cinematography magic once again, albeit in a more subtle manner. While it probably won't win them Oscars this go-around, it's a worthy addition to the genre of the Cowboy Westerns. Could Jeff Bridges get another Best Actor Oscar nomination for this role, it remains to be seen, but he got a lot of mileage out of the role/script.
I give it 3.75 stars, or a grade of A-.
The Coen Brothers do a fine job with the script, and directing this film filled with entertaining performances from the main 3 characters in the film. Roger Deakins works his cinematography magic once again, albeit in a more subtle manner. While it probably won't win them Oscars this go-around, it's a worthy addition to the genre of the Cowboy Westerns. Could Jeff Bridges get another Best Actor Oscar nomination for this role, it remains to be seen, but he got a lot of mileage out of the role/script.
I give it 3.75 stars, or a grade of A-.
#25
DVD Talk Legend