The RPM Show

By Ryan Matthews

It is the last few weeks of 2010, a year where Hollywood made more mistakes than we can count. As far as movies go, there have been a select few that became hits. True Grit is one of them.

True Grit is based on the novel of the same name by Charles Portis. It tells the story of 14 year old Mattie Ross, played by newcomer Hailee Steinfeld, whose father was killed by one of his hired hands, Tom Chaney, played by Josh Brolin. Wanting to see justice done, she hires U.S. Marshal Rooster Cogburn, played by Jeff Bridges, to help track him down. Before the hunt begins, they are joined by a Texas Ranger called La Boeuf, who’s also on the trail of Chaney. Along the way, there is danger at every turn, but Mattie is determined to find Chaney dead or alive.

From start to finish, there is never a dull moment in this film. The Coen Brothers directed it, along with executive producer Steven Spielberg. Now, I may not have seen every western there is, but I can tell you that this is one of the best I’ve seen yet. There are a few surprises toward the end of the film that make it spectacular. From the dialogue to the story, this is one of the best films of 2010. Hailee Steinfeld is the breakout star of the year without a doubt. If she doesn’t get an award of some kind, it will be a huge mistake. Matt Damon, who played La Boeuf, and Brolin could have had more lines and more of a part, but they were still vital to the story. The whole cast did a great job.

Bridges, having two films released just days apart, proves once again why he is one of the best actors in the business today. If you are a fan of westerns or just like a good revenge story, this is the movie for you. I give True Grit four stars and 9/10 in ratings. What do you think of True Grit? Did the Coen brothers do a good job of directing it? Did they choose the right people to play these parts? What are your thoughts on Hailee Steinfeld? Send us an e-mail and let your voice be heard.