I prefer this one to the original (with all due respect to the Duke). And I am old enough to have seen the original in the theater. Come on, the rhinestone cowboy (Glenn Campbell) was just that, and Damon did much better even though the part was a little thin. I always thought Kim Darby’s acting was insipid, Hailee Steinfeld is the hands-down winner. The Duke defined the role, but I really believe Bridges more than did it justice.
So in case you couldn’t tell, I loved the remake. But there were a few things to make fun of...
http://www.collegehumor.com/video/6383545/true-grit-with-subtitles
I pretty much agree with your opinions of the movie, I also saw the original at a movie house...the new one is much much closer to the actual book (which is a small volume and a pretty quick read)...and that video at the link is truly hilarious!!!
IMHO, the latest version was far better than the version with John Wayne. It is much, much closer to the book.
Kim Darby’s performance was nowhere near the one delivered by Hailee Steinfeld.