True Grit

The Coen Brothers' re-telling of the classic Charles Portis novel is for the most part. quiet and understated. Jeff Bridges is cast as the iconic eye-patched bounty hunter Rooster Cogburn, and he does well filling the shoes of John Wayne. Wayne memorably played Cogburn - and was awarded an Academy Award for Best Actor - in the original 1969 film version of "True Grit". The Coen bros. "True Grit" always looks and feels authentic. Newcomer Haile Steinfeld shines as the young female lead. She carries long stretches of the film by virtue of her steady conviction and hypnotic gaze. Matt Damon is also a lot of fun playing a doofus Texas Ranger. Perhaps this remake isn't a classic for all-time. And many may still wonder why anyone would choose to remake the much-lauded original. But still, this version has many charms, and I imagine it will reward repeated viewings.