True Grit

[yogi]

What a frustrating experience.
I got seated in plenty of time, but just as the lights faded and the narration started to set up the story a stream of latecomers came in, then ten minutes later we all had to move to accomodate some more people. AND the couple who sat next to had THE noiseiest bag of sweets I've ever heard, which they chose to eat due all the quiet dialogue parts of the film.

On top of that I had the same problem making out some of the dialogue, especially Jeff Bridges. Glad in a way it wasn't just my ageing ears, sorry all.

It's a shame cos the film looked great, seemed well played by all and shad ome lovely/quirky touches and great lines, but I struggled to lose myself in the film as a whole, so enjoyed the parts - looking forward to rewatching it on Dvd one day.

[redgrant]

Saw this at a packed Odeon in Wimbledon. Well outside my centre of gravity but thought I'd go the extra mile to watch another Oscar nominee.

Thought it was ok rather than great. The girl was very good as a tough cookie in a "man's world". Subtitles would have been useful in some places, though any Westerns purists out there will probably sneer at me for not getting Bridges' Wild West drawl. Don't know if it's just me but I couldn't work out why Matt Damon's character clears off, come back, clears off again then comes back.

[briar29]

Saw this at the Silverlink, Newcastle. I thoroughly enjoyed it but I'm a sucker for Coen Brothers films and for westerns too. Thought that Hailee Steinfeld acted her socks off and Matt Damon put in a solid performance. Jeff Bridges was his usual excellent self but like a lot of people I struggled to understand some of his dialogue. I had the same problem with him in Crazy Heart so perhaps as he ages, he mumbles! As with most Coen Brothers films the cinematography was also excellent.
And being a fan of Iris Dement, her version of "Leaning on the Everlasting Arms" over the closing credits added an extra point for me!
8.5/10

[Doris]

An enjoyable film.
After Mattie crossed the river on Little Blackie and Le Beouf started to spank her she was dry, when she should have been soaking wet ! (or were my eyes playing up?)

[valda]

An enjoyable film.
After Mattie crossed the river on Little Blackie and Le Beouf started to spank her she was dry, when she should have been soaking wet ! (or were my eyes playing up?)

Nope I noticed that too

[Doris]

Glad to know it was not just me Valda!

Funny how this mistake was overlooked as it was not a minor one.

[hdaniel82]

Saw this last night at a pretty packed out Odeon Greenwich. Really enjoyed the movie, I'm not usually a massive fan of Westerns, but this was just great! Super acting from all of the leads. 8.5/10

[soonforgotten]

Caught this at the Holloway Odeon last night, in a tiny, frigid screen. I was really looking forward to this, despite not being much of a western fan. Jeff Bridges was great in it, even if his lines were at times difficult to decipher, but this was really Hailee Steinfeld's movie and she was excellent. That said, I was expecting more. I was surprised how small Josh Brolin's role was and to be honest, it didn't really feel like a Coen Brother's work to me. I suppose Maddie's character fit into their style but the rest of it not so much. I don't know if they were hindered by it being a remake, but it lacked their certain spark for me. I'd take O Brother, Where Art Thou? over this, easily. Still, it's a really good film, if not great. 8/10

[Preston1990]

I saw this the other night at a fairly well packed Silverlink. It's been many a year since I saw a good western that I really enjoyed but I liked this one. I must have seen the original "True Grit" at sometime or other in the past, but to be honest I don't really specifically recall it.

I do have a vague memory of John Wayne in numerous "cowboy films" but I've always felt that he plays himself rather than actually acting out a character. Now I know that this isn't really a revelation, as much as a cliché, because so many people have said it for so long, but I do think that it is true nonetheless.

For me the three main leads in this version were superb. Bridges was great as Cogburn - no-one could accuse him of playing himself. Matt Damon as LaBoeuf was pretty darn good too - I'm not even sure that I would have recognised him in this, if I hadn't sneaked a look at IMDB beforehand, as he appeared so much different to how he usually does. The wordplay, constant bickering and one-upmanship between Cogburn and LaBoeuf was hilarious, as was the scene where Cogburn tried to demonstrate his sharpshooting skills whilst drunk.

Hailee Steinfeld was incredible as Mattie Ross. Hailee was born in December 1996 - which makes her just over 14 years old. What a fantastically mature self-assured performance she gave. As others have mentioned, the scenes where she portrays Mattie's incredible negotiating skills are just a joy to behold. She without doubt is the best talent in the film.

As has already been said, the dialogue in parts of the film was quite indistinct and difficult to follow. I felt that I was missing some nuances of what appeared to be some pretty cool, fast-talking banter between the characters in the story. Whilst I felt that this was a shame, overall it wasn't a huge problem.

The cinematography was first class - What a great looking film!!

8 out of 10 from me. I urge you to go and see it if you get the chance!!

Oh yes, nearly forgot! Lovely to see Spanner + OH and JMBBlue at this screening. Big thanks for keeping us seats guys.

[marjoreemarjora]

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