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This past weekend I caught two movies, True Grit and Tron. As I said in the previous paragraph--both star Jeff Bridges and there are both big similarities and big differences. First I'll deal with True Grit.
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I had seen the first True Grit way back in 1969 and, although not a big Western OR John Wayne fan, I really enjoyed the movie. This new version has been completely re-concieved and it is just as good as the original. This True Grit is frankly grittier than the first version. The older movie was bathed in bright colors altogether cleaner. The new version was washed in sepia tones (rather like a faded color photograph. The cowboys aren't nearly as handsome (although both Rooster Cogburns have clearly seen better days). The new version sticks closer to the book in plot and language but there is plenty of quirkiness as you'd expect in any Coen brothers film.
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Jeff Bridges is morally ambiguous as Rooster but he still makes you root for him. The single-biggest standout in the cast though is relative newcommer Hailee Steinfeld: her Maddy Ross is stubborn and single-minded and she too is entirely believeable. Matt Damon has some of his good looks toned down but his texas accent is flawless. Josh Brolin is hardly recognizable as Tom Chaney but he is creepy and does "bad guy" to perfection. The rest of the cast handles the difficult script with aplomb: they never distract from the tone and character of the movie.
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If there is any justice in the world True Grit will nominated for multiiple Oscars. A "Best Picture" nod is certain (but with ten slots to fill how could it not? Still--this is a highly worthy contender.) Best Actor/Actress nominations are also a lock for Bridges and Steinmetz and I expect a Directorial nod for the Coen brothers. There should also be a slew of other awards for writing, set and costume design, cinematography and other categories. True Grit is well worth the trip to your local cineplex (just leave the kiddies at home).
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FINAL GRADE: A+
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Tron was a critical and financial flop way back in 1982 although it spawned a large and deeply-devoted cult following. (I wasn't quite a "Tron" Cultist but I really enjoyed it.) When I heard they were making a sequel I had high hopes. Sadly, I went to see the movie...
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I so wanted Tron Legacy to work: if it wasn't for the script I'd really have enjoyed the movie. The "light cycle" "I.D. Disk" Gladiator battles are back and the visual effects have been ramped out so they are truly a thing of beauty to behold. Male lead Garrett Hedlund needs a thorough ass kicking (at least his character does). He gives it the old college try but it would take an actor of more talent and experience to rise above the drek that is this script. Jeff Bridges' character from the original has discovered (in the words of my young friend Eris Young) "Zen and shit" but it just doesn't work here. His philosophising just drags an already weighty movie into the toilet.
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I could spent literally hours cataloging the faults of this movie but why prolog the pain? Suffice it to say this movie is just, plain, BAD. It is a pretty movie but, like a dumb, blonde, there's nothing inside. It's nice to look at but ultimately unengaging. If you MUST see Tron Legacy park your brain (and any higher expectattions) at the door. Sneak in after watching a better movie or, better yet, wait to this comes out and rent it. Even waiting for the network TV debut wouldn't be a bad idea.
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FINAL GRADE: C- (and that's being kind)
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