I, too, was reluctant. Didn’t see the need for a remake of True Grit.
Saw it Friday and LOVED IT! Better than the original (minus John Wayne, of course).
Jeff Bridges was great as his own version of Rooster. He didn’t try to be The Duke. They even had him wear the patch on the opposite eye.
The girl who played Mattie was amazing. Matt Damon was quite good as the Texas Ranger.
The biggest surprise was Barry Pepper as Ned Pepper. He did it EXACTLY like Robert Duvall in the original, and was outstanding.
The Coen Brothers are great filmmakers, and this new version of True Grit is no exception. I strongly recommend it, ESPECIALLY to those who love the original.
It is more of an homage than a remake.
Thanks for the review. It sounds great!