Home Forums Miscellaneous Topics Movie, Book, and Music Review New True Grit: Who wants to see it?

I think it looks REALLY good! More of an Open Range type movie than the original I think.
Here's a link to the trailer.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uco41pOKeJg
Needless to say, I can't wait! I've heard it's more a remake of the book, not the John Wayne movie.

Ben

Looks good to me. It's still hard for me to think of Jeff Bridges as anyone but The Dude (especially in a Coen Brothers film), but I'll be ready for a good western by this winter.

I think Mattie Ross will be much better in this one... I liked the one with John Wayne alot but she STUNK in it!! JMO.

Jeff Bridges is a very accomplished actor who was excellent as Wild Bill Hickock in the movie Wild Bill, from back in the nineties sometime. He should be believable as Cogburn if a person doesn't identify the character too closely with John Wayne.

As I've said in a couple of other threads, I didn't see the movie deviating terribly from the book. There were some changes, for certain-sure. Another poster says that LaBoef survives in the book, but I didn't remember that. It's been awhile since I've read the book.

Some think this will be a very dark movie. The trailer seemed somber enough, for sure. It's ironic that the Coens, who I see as comedic directors, are possibly doing a more serious version. I guess we shall see.

I definitely want to see it. My parents took me to see the original. The action in the book happens directly to the south of where I live in an area I am familiar with, though not intimately so. I hope it is filmed in Oklahoma rather than another shot in western Canada. The original was shot in Colorado, at least partly.

It looks like the armament in this one will be more true to the book.

Yes, in Charles "Buddy" Portis' novel, LaBoeuf survives and takes Tom Chaney's body back to Texas for the reward. (Matt Damon as a tough Texas Ranger???? What a joke! :D)

Also in the novel, Mattie, later in life, talks about Rooster's death.

L.W.

Doesen't in the book, Mattie lose her arm?

Yes.

L.W.

Thanks for the clarification. Saved me from looking it up.

Most likely will see it on cable.

By the way, glad to see you went into business. Can you PM me info on your calls.

Comedic directors? Then you don't know the Coens' work very well at all. Check out "Blood Simple," "Miller's Crossing," "The Man Who Wasn't There," and "Barton Fink." None are knee-slappers. Hell, even "The Ladykillers," "Burn After Reading," and "A Serious Man" are pretty damned dark.

The new version was not filmed in Oklahoma. There was never any news about the film being in production here and the scenery in the trailer looks like New Mexico. It will be aggravating to me on that point alone if the setting remains in Indian Territory and western Arkansas. (The original was laughable when they were supposedly traveling to McAlester.)

Bricktop, why would I comment in the manner I did if I wasn't familiar with the Coens' work? I've seen a number of their movies and would say that most of it is black comedy. This certainly includes Miller's Crossing and Blood Simple. The Coens' are highly-touted by Hollyweird libs but much like Robert Altman, overrated, IMO.

I want to go see it.

I watched the original again last night. Never knew that south had that kind of scenery.

I thought Burn After Reading was kind of funny....

Mtcurman: Thank you very much for giving me the heads up on this GREAT looking film!
I will be THERE opening day - I don't care if I have to drive the 145 miles (each way!) to Idaho Falls, Idaho to see it!
I absolutely loved the original "True Grit" and I hope this re-make does it justice!
In many ways I can see (from the brief trailer) that this IS going to at least be on a par with the original.
In fact I hope it is even better than the original!
The only thing they couldn't possibly improve upon is the personna of the original star of the movie John Wayne!
He is in a league of his own.
And this, one of the other posters took umbrage with the actress and acting of Kim Darby in the original movie - I could NOT disagree with that observation any more.
I thought Ms. Darby was splendid, fresh and intense in her screen presence and her portrayal of Mattie Ross of near Darnell County!
I also feel the cinematographers (and director of photography) are going to have to get up early and be on their best at all times to outdo the original movie.
Again I hope they do.
I still think that Rooster Cogburns (John Waynes) retort to Lucky Ned Peppers insult in that high mountain meadow was one of the greatest lines (and delivered the best!) in all of movie filmdom!

"Fill your hands you son of a bitch"!

Ecstasy.
Can't wait til Christmas time and the release of this remake of "True Grit"!
Long live the Duke.
Hold into the wind
VarmintGuy

P.S.: My all time favorite John Wayne story (bit of trivia) was when the folks in Hollywood asked the Duke to show up and have his name/star/hand prints immortalized on the "walk of fame".
He held back on the appointed date asking for time to acquire some ingredients for the cement there.
The Duke never told anyone publicly that he sent for sand from the beaches on Iwo Jima for use in the construction of his memorial - it in fact was HIS memorial to all the servicemen of the United States.
His was the only memorial I wanted to see on my side trip some years ago to Hollywood.

VarmintGuy, I'm glad you want to see it! Now, the full length trailer is out, check this out!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YfTSvFSdyRg

Ben

I'd say you don't know half as much as you think you know and your opinion of yourself doesn't much equate to reality.

You're obviously not familiar with squat on the Coens.

Is this man the real Rooster Cogburn??


http://www.legendsofamerica.com/we-bassreeves.html

L.W.

lol Well...you can KMA.

Mtcurman: Tomorrow (December 22nd 2,010!) is the big day!
LUCKILY, the tiny theatre here in Dillon, Montana is interupting their normal Friday to Friday movie rotation and they are showing the new "True Grit" on Wednesday - the opening day for True Grit.
I have invited all my local friends to the first showing here and I am buying the tickets!
I can't wait.
Review to follow in about 16 hours.
Hold into the wind
VarmintGuy

Love the original and can't wait to see this one. Having seen several trailers for the new movie, I have a beef with both. This story takes place in southeast Oklahoma. Why not an authentic setting? I have the same beef with many westerns. Not all western historical events or western stories took place within sight of the majestic snow-capped peaks of the Rockies or the buttes, mesas and chimneys of Monument Valley.

Expat

Nope!! Can't do better than John Wayne.

Maybe, maybe not. If you hate it 'cause it ain't John Wayne then don't go see it.

I just got back from seeing it and really enjoyed it, I give it a definite thumbs up. All the actors did credit to their parts, especially the actress who plays Mattie. I was worried that Jeff Bridges' voice would seem too affected but you quickly get used to it.

Same story, obviously, with a different take on some of the scenes. A bit darker in many respects than the first one which adds to it in my opinion, but it was also funnier in parts. Different ending which I understand is truer to the novel.

Anyway, if you go into it thinking you won't like it "cause it ain't John Wayne" then you'll just waste your money, because it isn't John Wayne's movie. Go into it with an open mind and enjoy it for what it is - I think the movie stands on its own merits just fine.

Jim in Idaho: I also just got back from seeing it and I was absolutely captivated/blown away!
If anything the story, acting and details were better than the original!
And I am John Waynes #1 fan!
I agree totally the actress that plays young Mattie Ross (Hailee Steinfeld) absolutely steals the show!
And that is something considering the wonderful performances by Jeff Bridges, Matt Damon, Josh Brolin and Barry Pepper!
The acting/directing was simply stunning!
The "new" True Grit excells in every category above the "original" True Grit with one exception - the cinemetography!
The original True Grit was simply one of the best filming jobs EVER done on a movie.
The new True Grit comes close in this category but the original still stands out as superlative.
I was so impressed with it (as were my friends that I hosted) that I am going to have to take it in again on a matinee during the week so I won't be disturbed by other humans during the showing.
I won't betray any of the new "takes" from the movie but I will say this - there were several times during the movie that tears welled up in my eyes as I remembered the lines originally spoken by John Wayne and others and how great a job the "new" actors do!
The attention to detail and realism that the Coen Brothers and Steven Spielberg bring to this movie are better than world class!
Americans have made the best motion pictures in the world for more than 75 years now and this movie does justice to that long tradition.
Another small note - I was VERY impressed with all the wonderful firearms shown and the realism of their useage/effects were perfectly reproduced!
Three cheers for the whole production/movie!
Hip hip hooray!
Hip hip hooray!
Hip hip hooray!
I can not wait to see it again on the big screen.
I highly recommend the "new" True Grit.
Hold into the wind
VarmintGuy

Ahhggg, I can't wait to see it! I think we'll see it in the theater in a few days hopefully. I can't wait!

ExpatFromOK: The "new" True Grit was filmed in Texas and New Mexico.
The filming locations were VERY pleasing to me.
If you are stating that the original book had the story taking place in SE Oklahoma then I am happy that both sets of producers/directors chose more scenic country to film in.
Hold into the wind
VarmintGuy

Mtcurman: I am certain you will very much enjoy the movie once you get to see it.
If I find anything more of note when I see it again tomorrow afternoon I will give you a heads up and have you look for it.
Enjoy.
Hold into the wind
VarmintGuy

I've always thought you were a f*cking moron. Now you've stated it publicly for everyone else to read. Southeast Oklahoma has some of the most beautiful scenery anywhere and if you didn't have your head buried two feet up your ass, you'd know that too.

Take a look at this, dickweed, this is along the Talimena drive:




This is on the Indian Nation Turnpike about six miles north of the Daisy exit:



Pull your head out of your ass for future postings and lay off the liberal use of the exclamation points. It hurts my eyes to read the profoundly stupid sh*t you post.

I'd have to agree with you, ExPat. It's aggravating to watch the movie and hear them talk about riding out of Fort Smith, talk of going to places like McAlester, etc. then see friggin' aspen trees, snow capped peaks, and now rocky prairie. If they were bound and determined to film in that scenery, then they should've changed the plot location to there. Maybe have them riding out of El Paso or some other Godforsaken place.

You hate yourself worse than just about anybody I've ever seen.

I truly hope that one day you find the peace and acceptance in your heart that you are so desperately seeking.

I firmly believe if there's hate in your heart, you should let it out.

Bricktop: I simply have to again question YOUR MENTAL STABILITY (like so many others have!)!
You obviously have no control of your emotions or your thoguht processes!
Calling someone a "blanking" moron and calling them stupid for making a posting on a movie review thread shows YOU are the one with the incapacitating mental issues!
I simply feel sorry that you are occupying space that a normal, mature, intelligent human being could make so much better use of!
Again I simply feel sorry for you and the fact that you are so squallid and unhappy a human!
I wish that you somehow could transform yourself into a better person but alas I feel you are to bad and to far gone!
Rest in peace my friend - you obviously have NO happiness in this place!
Sheesh!
Hold into the wind
VarmintGuy

Title correction post.

I agree didn't like kim darby at all!!!!

I want to see the new True Grit.

Can't replace the Duke. That said I may give it a look.

Dood take some St. Johns Wart or something. Hating that guy in the mirror ain't good. I should know cause every time I look there he is. Lifes to short laugh and have fun some.

I'm still wanting to know your credentials as a federal law enforcer, cases you've investigated, etc.

http://www.24hourcampfire.com/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php/topics/3274016/VarmintGuy#Post3274016

You might be a big shot in your local trailer park, but you're just a big [bleep] everywhere else.

Every post you make on the "arts" only reaffirms your status as a bumpkin. Here, have some exclamation points!!!!!!!!!!!

hey bricktop

I lived in Okla. for 45 years and have driven talimena drive several times

Now I live in northwestern Wyoming just east of jellystone and the view from just my back yard makes southeastern Okla. look like the contents of my toilet

You like looking in your commode? You should take up reading books if you're looking for an indoor activity. It sure beats crapper-watching. Otherwise, who gives a f*ck? You're from nowhere Ardmore, Oklahoma, a [bleep] oil field town that would dry up and blow away if it wasn't for Interstate 35 running through it and it ain't even close to being part of the old Choctaw Nation or near the Winding Stair Mountains as mentioned in the movie. Cody, Wyoming is nothing but a tourist rest stop full of alcoholic misfits trying to make a living off the Yellowstone traffic during the summer months. Your opinion has all the value of your previously mentioned commode contents.

Me thinks I want to stay away from OK. Too many angry people there just unsafe red dirt!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Red dirt is western Oklahoma, black clay is in eastern Oklahoma. And there's no vacancy here.

Mtcurman: It was even better the second time around!
This group of friends I saw it with were even more impressed than the first group I saw it with!
And this - you must pay close attention to the dialogue and manner of speech the actors use!
Enjoy.
Hold into the wind
VarmintGuy

pricktop: Your, expecting ME to explain myself, to an idiotic imbecile like you have proven to be, is simply another sign of YOUR mental incapacity/diseases.
You are a pathetic, immature and imbecilic little snot - someone who others laugh at and thank that they are NOT similar to!
Your even attempting to pass judgement on any upstanding person (me included!) is further grounds for your commitment to a mental instiution.
Nobody respects you here, or respects anything you have to say - again you are just a laugh inducing dunce - you prove it with EVERY post you make!
I am laughing at you right now in fact whilst seated here in my mansion (no wheels on this 5480 square foot palace with a commanding view of 6 seperate mountain ranges!)!
I hope that does not further disturb you pricktop!?!?
Seek professional analysis and help - soon!
Hold into the wind
VarmintGuy

Well said sir. I was merely trying to draw that to his attention. Talk across to people not down to them.

I would think this is Ringworm with a new name.

You are a long way from being upstanding in the eyes of anyone but the big person your imagination portrays yourself to be. All I've ever seen from you is a lot of mangled speech punctuated with an inordinate number of exclamation points!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! And a hell of a lot of bombastic boasting.

You made a claim regarding the scenery in the current version of "True Grit" which has exposed your profound ignorance once again for which I am taking you to task. You showed your ass in that "Public Enemies" thread and made a lot of claims regarding your credentials as a federal law enforcer for which you won't answer. It seems to me you're just a load of loudmouthed horseshit who doesn't know when to shut the f*ck up.

It's not more scenic than SE OK, it is different and not authentic to the story. SE OK is gorgeous.

Expat

I communicate with people -- including self-important internet morons -- on an appropriate level. You and that sheep-humping bitch you're defending don't warrant anything beyond the respect accorded to a leper.

hey varmint guy

I ended up getting a custom built ar in 204 last summer

I'll group 3 shots within a dime on a calm day at 100 yards

Normally 2 of the 3 bullet holes overlap

Im lookin' to get a ffp scope for it by next fall

What kind of optics do you use on yours?

If you want you can pm me with your reply with this thread getting out of hand as it is with brick boy

Johnnyappleseed: I have 5 Varmint Rifles in caliber 204 Ruger and I heartily endorse lots of POWER for this exceptional cartridges performance to be fully taken advantage of!

Quickly my 204 scopes are:
#1) Leupold 6.5x20 variable
#2) Nikon 6.5x20 variable
#3) Sightron 6x24 variable
#4) Nikon 6.5x20 variable
#5) Leupold 8.5x25 variable

I am constantly amazed how well the AR Rifles are shooting these days!

Best of luck and continued happiness with your AR 204!
Hold into the wind
VarmintGuy

pricktop: I only have to repeat myself: pricktop: Your, expecting ME to explain myself, to an idiotic imbecile like you have proven to be, is simply another sign of YOUR mental incapacity/diseases.
You are a pathetic, immature and imbecilic little snot - someone who others laugh at and thank that they are similar to!
Your even attempting to pass judgement on any upstanding person (me included!) is further grounds for your commitment to a mental instiution.
Nobody respects you here, or respects anything you have to say - again you are just a laugh inducing dunce - you prove it with EVERY post you make!
I am laughing at you right now in fact whilst seated here in my mansion (no wheels on this 5480 square foot palace with a commanding view of 6 seperate mountain ranges!)!
I hope that does not further disturb you pricktop!?!?
Seek professional analysis and help - soon!"

End of repeat
Hold into the wind
VarmintGuy

pricktop: Oh and this pricktop - it seems the movie-going public likes the scenery in the new "True Grit" just FINE!
"True Grit" cleared $37,000,000.00 in its first 4 days!
He-he!
Hold into the wind
VarmintGuy

Since I can't get my head that far up my ass I can't communicate with you duecebag.

Any particular reason you keep mentioning the square footage of your alleged domicile? Are you insecure in addition to being profoundly and utterly stupid? Or is that the square footage of the gymnasium where your homeless ass bunks every night?

But you're trying to get your head up your ass with every post. I can tell.

What's your problem man or do you just like to argue and fight?
I usually don't waste time with your type but you seemed stessed.

Is there a problem with pointing out some ass-lickers as being as such?

I'm not. You prarier dog [bleep] pece of schite.
Your only friends helpless sheep huh?

You're not what? Jesus Christ, you and CharminGirl have just spent the last three pages sniffing and licking each other's cornholes.

Just saw True Grit tonight and there is no question that Mattie stole the show.

A very good movie.

well back to the movie....am i the only one that thinks mattie talked to fast? they did not show how mean old pepper could be, having watched the JW/true grit many times... it sure helped fill in the holes in this new one....02cents

Pretty darn good movie. I tried to go into the movie viewing as a western on its own rather than a Wayne remake. Seemed to work for me. Some movie parts and some book parts. It worked. Mattie was pretty good. Was this her first acting gig? I had heard it was. If so, nailed it. Will have to add this movie to my western collection. Happy New Year's guys.

Diamondjim: I believe this was young Miss Hailee Steinfelds first acting role!
She was the pick of 15,100 (fifteen thousand one hundred!) young women who cast/auditioned for this part/position.
I also am intent on adding this movie to my "home collection" - of which there are not many westerns in to date.
Some of the few westerns in my home collection are the original "True Grit" and "The Wild Bunch".
Yes Diamondjim, a Happy New Years to you as well - see if you can induce, somehow, the cheer for the New Year upon another very negative type poster on this thread - I have about given up on his inherent negativism.
My two favorite scenes (among MANY favorites) of Mattie Ross in this latest True Grit is when she tackles crossing the deep river on her trusted horse "Little Blackie" and she swims alongside him all the way across holding on for dear life.
And my other favorite scene with her is when she tries to take Tom Chaney into custody whilst mid-stream in the river and the recoil from her "Colts Dragoon" knocks her onto her rump in the water!
I have been trying to avoid a THIRD expensive viewing (popcorn and such!) of the new True Grit on the big screen but I may have to see it one more time?
It could be months before its available on disc?
I am glad to see the movie doing so well and in so many markets.
Hold into the wind
VarmintGuy

Someone needs a hug, and it's not John Wayne.

In one of the other many True Grit threads, someone called it Jeff Bridges playing Rooster, NOT, JB playing JW playing Rooster.

I liked the movie and like the new Mattie and LeBouef better than the original.

Putting Glen Campbell in the original was and is just painful to watch. The new version was fun, suspenseful, and damned funny. (The scenery looks out of place for what is now southeast Oklahoma.) I'll probably go see it again this coming week and will definitely be buying it on Blu-Ray when it's released.

For an actor, Campbell was an OK singer.

Nsaqam: After seeing the movie for the second time I have to agree with you - she is just an extremely interesting and charming young talent - and yes she stole the show (and that was a tough thing to do!)!
I hope her all the best in the future and look forward to studying her performance in True Grit and future movies - some more in the future.
With NO prompting from their father at all the two VarmintSons (aged 24 and 25!) BOTH have seen the movie twice. They grew up in horse country and know how "horse people" feel about their horses and horsemanship.
I am horsephobic (having never successfully been astride a horse - in countless tries!) and can NOT comment on the horsemanship of the actors but it looked realistic/great to me.
The VarmintSons live out on the west coast and saw it on the "big screens" and in Dolby sound (or what ever the big theatres are using these days?).
I am glad they got to see a "great western" movie for a change.
I have lost track - MtCurman have you seen the movie yet?
I hope you have and hope you liked it as much as I did.
Hold into the wind
VarmintGuy

Ironbender: Now that was funny!
Yes Glen Campbell seemed stiff or slightly awkward in the original movie but I tried to overlook that as the director wanting him to be somewhat awkward? I don't know why the director would want that but the director could not possibly have NOT noticed how "stiff" the original LeBouif came through as being?
Hold into the wind
VarmintGuy

Yessir, I sure have. What a great movie! One of the best I've seen, rivaled only by The Last of the Mohicans and The Ghost and the Darkness(IMO). Halliee Steinfeld(right?) was excellent as Mattie Ross, and Bridges and Damon were both great as Rooster Cogburn and LaBouef. I loved how LaBouef was always extolling virtues on "The Sharps Carbine"! In all the scenes with Lucky Ned Pepper, my eyes were strangley drawn to his Remington 1875 SA! I don't think you should compare this one to the JW version, or even try, two great movies telling the same story, each one with their own twist.

Outstanding movie. I really like the original, but I think I like this version a bit better. I still wish they's have shot it in western AR and SE OK.

Expat

My wife and I saw the new "True Grit" in the local theater and both of us enjoyed it. We watched on cable the original John Wayne version and enjoyed it again. The new version was more realistic and "gritty". One thing, at least, that was better in the new version was the musical score....old Christian hymns played on a piano, not the overwhelming epic music in the original. The beautiful scenery in the original took something away from the movie...almost traveloguish (SIC ?).

Overall impression was that the new version ,as was the old, a great Western.

Mtcurman: I am glad you enjoyed the new True Grit as well!
The new True Grit has just been nominated for 10 (ten!) Oscar Awards - so in a "subjective way" maybe the new True Grit has merit beyond what US die hard John Wayne fans wish to concede?
I am especially happy and impressed that True Grit was nominated for "Best Picture" as well as the nominations for Best Actor (Jeff Bridges), Best Supporting Actress (Hailee Steinfeld) and Best Movie Direction (Joel & Ethan Coen)!
Yes I enjoyed Lucky Ned's pistols as well - the inlays in his pistols grips were interesting and handsome as well.
I have word in to my "electronics Ghuru" here in SW Montana that the minute the new True Grit CD becomes available he is to let me know and we are going to each order one.
Speaking of CD's - an interesting aside.
I watch a house here in Montana for some friends that go and "winter" in Thailand, most years.
Anyway they bring me gifts from Thailand when they return.
The last time they brought gifts one of them was a CD of the movie AVATAR.
I had the gift CD in my hands LONG before it became available on American markets?
I am not a very worldly person but I was/am puzzled how the Thai folks could get the CD on their street markets before it was available here in the USA?
Another gift they brought me was a bottle of Thai Whiskey with a small Cobra inside it!
The Cobras head is flared and it is posed in the whiskey biting its own tail!
Apparently in Thailand it is a sign of manhood (machismo?) to drink whiskey from a bottle containing a Cobra!
I show this gift to friends and many of them start gagging when I offer them a drink of it!
Back to the new True Grit - I don't hold out a lot of hope for it to win many Oscars but it was still an honor and a comment on quality that it be nominated for more Academy awards than all of the years movies, save one.
See you at the movies.
Hold into the wind
VarmintGuy

Should be burned at a ritual!!!!!!!!!

RAS2: Can't understand your post - what should be burned at a ritual?
Hold into the wind
VarmintGuy

Nothing I was a little cranky ealier...all better now.

RAS2: Go see the movie on the big screen (for a second time if need be!) and that will cure ya!
Hold into the wind
VarmintGuy

It would be very interesting if Jeff Bridges won Best Actor.

That would make two different actors winning Best Actor for playing the same role.

For those that don't know, John Wayne won his only Best Actor Oscar for playing Rooster Cogburn in the original "True Grit".

"Best Supporting Actress (Hailee Steinfeld)"... how did she suport? she was in EVERY screen shot????

Leanwolf can probably chime in with the exact info, but I suspect it has to do with billing.

Bridges, Damon and Josh Brolin all got star billing, Hailee is down in the fine print. Kind of funny since Brolin had pretty minimal screen time.

I believe you nailed it, Jim. Even though the story was Mattie's in Portis' novel, the three men in top billing have many more top credits and "standing" in Hollywood, than a "newcomer" such as Steinfeld. She is no more a "supporting actress," in that flick than Bridges is a "supporting actor."

But, in Hollywood, egos are big and ethics are small, so the Coen Bros. billed her below minor players such as Brolin.

Damon's and Brolin's agents would have already worked out the billing before either actor showed up on the set. Neither actor would have taken the part if he were to be billed beneath Steinfeld.

I will say I was surprised she was up for "Supporting Actress," but it might have been a decision her agent and manager made to not put her, a virtual newcomer, up against some established actresses as "Best Actress." Might have thought she'd have a better shot at winning "Supporting," than "Best."

You never know. Hollywood's a funny place ... sometimes.

L.W.