True Grit (2010)
Brief review: "True Grit" is the second adaptation of 1968 novel, this time brought by the well-acclaimed filmmakers, Ethal and Joel Coen, who has put a contemporary, darkly comic twist to the classic western story. While most of the Coens' films suffer from a specific pretentiousness, thankfully, the case with "True Gift" is vastly different. Despite being a bit sluggish, there's a lot to be enjoyed in this dialogue-driven western. Though the plot is assiduously developed, the main focus is more on the characters, rather than the situations. The characters themselves are terrificly-portrayed. The newcomer Hailee Steinfeld gives a fierce, show-stealing performance as the smart and determined Mattie, but it's Jeff Bridges who makes the biggest impression, as he delivers an award-worthy performance as the overly confident, dry-humored aging marshal. Matt Damon is decent in his role, though he seems a bit out of place. The dialogues are clever and witty, if way overwritten at times, and Coens' direction is slick and precise, as they provide us with many great shots and diverse camera angles. Though the scenery mostly consists of barren wilderness, it's interesting to watch, and the pale-colored cinematography suits the mood of the film quite well.
Overall summary: Well-crafted and brilliantly-acted, if slightly overwritten, "True Grit" is a solid old-school western done right, though not one of the Coen Brothers' most impressive achievements.
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