Jeff Bridges takes up John Wayne’s spurs as Rooster Cogburn in the Coens’ masterful update. He leaps at the role with such grind and boast that we are often left with too much to appreciate. Bridges draws a convincing foil to Matt Damon as the opposing lawman, LaBoeuf. However, the film belongs to Hailee Steinfeld as Mattie Ross, the 14-year-old firecracker determined to bring her father’s murderer to justice. The Coens bring their flair for crisp dialogue, expert framing, and thematic heart. (2010) — John Rubio
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