ViewGuide

Created Dec 26, 2010 08:31PM PST • Edited Dec 26, 2010 08:31PM PST

1. Quality

2. Summary

   Really Great 4.5

   The Coens reincarnate “the dude” as Rooster Cogburn in this great Western re-make. Tough and gritty to be sure, Jeff Bridges leads the resolute Mattie (Hailee Stienfeld) on her journey to avenge her father’s death. Rather than try to copy the original, the Coen’s True Grit is hard hitting and funny at the same time. Expect to be confronted with the wild west’s harshest treatments, but enjoy the ride — a very hard ride full of great acting, hard-hitting action, LOL moments, and a story that has withstood the test of time. Much fun!

4. Acting

   Great 4.0

   Jeff Bridges steals the show. His impersonation of a hardened drunken and sometimes slothful marshal makes you wonder if he actually was one. Under his shadow, you hardly notice Matt Daemon is there. Hailee Stienfeld is amazing for a teenager and comes across as a tough older actress – you never even question that she can keep up with the hardened marshals. Josh Brolin doesn’t play a big part either – but is darn good as the bad guy.

5. Male Stars Great 4.0

6. Female Stars Great 4.0

7. Female Costars Great 4.0

8. Male Costars Great 4.0

10. Film

    Really Great 4.5

    Like ‘No Country for Old Men’, ‘True Grit’ pulls no punches. Living in the time of gunslingers isn’t pretty or romantic – and this is made obviously apparent. From the script, the acting, the scenery – the Coens do a fantastic job with this one. I’m sure Spielberg’s executive direction didn’t hurt either.

11. Direction Really Great 4.5

12. Play Really Great 4.5

13. Music Really Great 4.5

14. Visuals Really Great 4.5
15. Content

16. Edge

    Risqué 2.5

    Marshalling isn’t for sissies. ’Nuff said.

17. Sex Titillating 2.5

18. Violence Fierce 2.5

19. Rudeness Salty 2.5

21. Reality

    Glib 1.9

22. Circumstantial Glib 1.9

23. Biological Glib 1.9

24. Physical Glib 1.9