Thursday, December 23, 2010

TRUE GRIT




Western drama

PRINCIPAL CAST MEMBERS
Hailee Steinfeld: 14-year old Mattie Ross
Jeff Bridges: U.S. Marshal Rueben J. “Rooster” Cogburn
Dakin Matthews: Col. Stonehill
Matt Damon: Texas Ranger LaBoeuf
Josh Brolin: hired hand Tom Chaney
Barry Pepper: “Lucky” Ned Pepper, leader of the gang
Elizabeth Marvel: 40-year-old Mattie

REVIEW
Once again the Cohen brothers have assembled their “team” (cinematographer Roger Deakins, costume designer Mary Zophres, sound designer Craig Berkey)
having worked with them in earlier films (Fargo and No Country for Old Men to name a few). The results are to be expected: a big budget movie that looks and feels just right.

Set in the Old West at the turn of the 19th century this tale of vengeance for the murder of her father as played by Hailee Steinfeld. She really nails it and steals the show from such accomplished actors as Jeff Bridges and Matt Damon.

With great attention to detail (except for one instance as noted below) there are amusing moments to lighten things up and crisp editing to keep things moving along.

CLASSIFICATION
for intense sequences of western violence including disturbing images.

FOR NITPICKERS ONLY
LaBoeuf hands Mattie a photograph which she places on top of a book on her bedside table. Although she does not touch it again several scenes later it has changed orientation.

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