True Grit Review Essay

True Grit is a 2010 western directed by the Coen brothers. It stars Hailee Steinfeld as Mattie Ross, and Jeff Bridges as Rooster Cogburn. The film also stars Matt Damon as LaBoeuf, and Josh Brolin as Tom Chaney.

There are many films that dream of being perfect. The reality is no film’s perfect, but this one comes pretty close.

From the opening shot your instantly thrown into the story. It’s a surprisingly funny film that has enough heart to make you watch, and enough action to keep you watching.

Jeff Bridges gives one of the best performance of his career, along side Hailee Steinfeld who isn’t overshadowed, but at times even out shines Bridges. She gives a career performance.

In a time were revenge movies are coming at you left and right this film manages to stray from the pack.

The chemistry between Bridges and Steinfeld was great. Matt Damon also gives a great performance, it isn’t as good as his co-stars, but it’s good enough.

It’s a pretty simple plot. Mattie Ross hires Rooster to hunt down the man that killed her father. They face challenges throughout there journey. The plot is basic, and has been done before, but there’s enough flair thrown in to make it stand out.

In my opinion seeing the trio change throughout the film was the best part. Seeing LaBoeuf finally give Mattie her props and respect, and Rooster becoming protective of her makes the film standout.

There are also some beautiful shots throughout the film. The score was good, but nothing special. Ultimately the biggest selling point for this film is watching the trio become friends (and Jeff Bridges shooting cornbread)

The only negatives I can think of is I wished Roister, and LaBoeuf had a more emotional motivation, and more of a back story, but that’s it.

This is one of the best western films in years, and one of the best of all time.