Go see True Grit

[GoldenRivet]

If you see any movie in the next week... True Grit should be it.

more faithful to the novel than the 1969 version, this version shows some of the dark reality of late 1800s frontier town / western life broken up by a generous amount of humorous moments and dialogue. It is set in the scenery described in the novel (western Arkansas, Eastern Oklahoma "Choctaw nation") where the original 69 film was set in Coloradoesque landscapes.

Jeff Bridges and Matt Damon's ribbing exchanges are the stuff of legendary male bravado comedic dialogue. The shootings and stabbings are satisfyingly brutal (one very nice point blank head shot) and the relationship of the characters develops quite well over time.

One major theme in the novel was the relative disliking or disapproval the trio had of one another at the beginning of their journey and how they eventually grew a mutual respect for one another through their interactions during their journey. The film remains true to this theme and comes through clearly.

Its a great film and one that will be added to my DVD collection the moment it is available.