Remaking a film is always a risky proposition, but remaking a classic is tougher and even harder when you consider that its the film that won another Hollywood legend his only Oscar. The Coen brothers, however, have the credentials needed and packed not only a tightly reworked script but a stellar cast into the prototype on how to successfully remake a film.
Plotline is this: A 14 year old girl (Steinfeld) arrives in Ft. Smith, AR. to tend to the final affairs of her murdered father. Unknown to her family though, she has other business in mind....revenge. After some questioning she turns to, and finally convinces, US Marshall "Rooster" Cogburn (Bridges) to hunt down the murderer (Brolin). Reluctantly joining forces with a Texas Ranger (Damon) who is after the same man, the three set out on a journey that will define their very existances.
Acting is literally nothing short of brilliant. Bridges does "The Duke" proud with his crotchety, hard drinking, rough edged interpretation of Cogburn. Matt Damon gives us a very rich LaBoeuf and Josh Brolin, sadly, doesnt get a very full character with Tom Chaney, but he does make good with what little time he has. The high point of the film is newcomer Steinfeld as young Mattie Ross. With her first major role she knocks it out of the park, and given the sheer cinematic talent she worked with, this young girl will be one to keep an eye on as possibly the Natalie Portman of her generation.
Direction is solid, as you'd expect from Joel and Ethan, creating interesting new angles and visions of a usually generic genre.
As I'm not much of a fan of westerns, they usually don't get much attention from me, however having seen the original and enjoying it, the changes in this one (and you'll have to remember the original well to see them) make it one of the finest films (and without doubt the best remake) in quite some time.
A+
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