True Grit

True Grit has hit theatres this week. It stars Jeff Bridges as Marshall Rooster Cogburn, Hailee Steinfield as Mattie (my momma's name, don't see that too often), and Matt Damon as Texas Ranger LaBoeuf. The screenplay is by directors Joel and Ethan Coen. It's based on the novel of the same title by Charles Portis. This novel was also the basis of the 1969 True Grit film starring John Wayne. The plot of the story centers around 14 year old Mattie seeking retribution for the murder of her father- a crime committed by the hand of Tom Chaney (played by Josh Brolin-he got third billing over Hailee for some reason). To accomplish this, Mattie hires Rooster Cogburn, who is joined by LaBoeuf and unwittingly Mattie herself, to seek out and bring in Chaney. This takes them on an adventure through unsettled territory where Chaney fled off to.

I will open by stating plainly that this one of the best movies of the year. I'm ranking it #3 on my 2010 list. Behind only Kick Ass and Let Me In.

The acting is outstanding. Oscar and other nominations could easily be coming for Bridges and Hailee. And for the whole movie as well. It has some real heroic moments where the music takes off and you're ready to take some people down. But at the same time the movie is realistic. The characters all have their flaws. Stubbornness and arrogance abound.

The main theme that you start out with is obviously revenge. Revenge for a family member. But this evolves to loyalty and what makes a family. I could elaborate a bit on that but that would lead to spoilers of the ending...Once the final events of the film unfold - you will understand the title and what it means to have true grit....

GO NOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!