True Grit

The Coen brothers take us back to the Old West with their version of a John Wayne classic. Alien never saw the original, but heard there were many similarities. After the death of her father, a determined 14-year-old girl joins up with a U.S. Marshal (Jeff Bridges) and a Texas Ranger (Matt Damon) to track down the killer (Josh Brolin). Bridges is terrific as the cantankerous one-eyed codger with a disposition for whiskey. The most fascinating character is the smart-talking girl who’s able to stand toe-to-toe with these lawmen and the outlaws. The good storyline and dialogue peppered with some violence and a touch of humor make this vengeance film work.

Alien gives it 3 ½ "angel of vengeance" stars out of 4.