True Grit (2010) - 9 stars out of 10

True Grit (2010) - 9 stars out of 10

Though many may argue that it isn't fair to compare remakes to their original versions, I cannot help but compare this superior update of "True Grit" to its 1969 predecessor.  The opening voiceover is much better than the opening to the original True Grit, allowing the audience to get to know Mattie Ross while cutting out a part of the story that needs to be known but not seen.  This film came close to being the perfect Western with it's character building first half and its thrilling ending; unfortunately, about 25 slow minutes in the second half nearly bring the film to a halt and is its only downfall.  Jeff Bridges is great, bringing the necessary bravado to play the role of Rooster.  Nobody was going to defeat Firth for the Oscar in 2011 but Bridges definitely earned his nomination, giving a different (but still effective) interpretation than John Wayne did in 1969.  While Damon and Brolin round out the all-stars in this cast of incredible actors, Hailee Steinfeld steals the show as Mattie Ross.  There was a very high standard set by Kim Darby in the original, but Steinfeld certainly lived up to it (particularly in the bargaining scene).  Her performance soars over Melissa Leo in The Fighter and it's robbery that Steinfeld did not win the Oscar.  Hopefully this is the first of many successful films in her future.  You can tell that this version is 40 years older based on the hanging scene, fingers being cut off, and other extreme visuals that would not have fit in with the 1969 standards.  Although it did not win any Oscars, it takes an incredible film to earn 10 nominations and you can expect top notch directing (Coen Brothers) and acting when you sit down to enjoy this Western.