Rooster Cogburn rides again in 'True Grit'

Rooster Cogburn rides again in 'True Grit'

Story by Steve Salles , Standard-Examiner movie critic - Jun 8 2011 - 11:29am
(Left to right) Hailee Steinfeld is Mattie Ross, Matt Damon is LaBoeuf and Jeff Bridges is Rooster Cogburn in “True Grit.” (Paramount Pictures)

Capsule reviews, by Standard-Examiner movie critic Steve Salles, of next week's releases on video:

TRUE GRIT **** (PG-13) Some intense sequences of Western violence including disturbing images. This new version of "True Grit" is more faithful to the original novel than the John Wayne film, as it has more edge and humor. Much to my surprise, the Coen brothers got out of the way and let the story tell itself. This was one of my favorite films of 2010, pilgrim. Starring Jeff Bridges, Hailee Steinfeld and Matt Damon. 110 minutes.

ANOTHER YEAR *** 1/2 (PG-13) Some language. Many people gravitate around the lovely couple Tom and Gerri, simply because they're kind, gentle and full of life. But it's one particular friend, Mary, who seems to need the most nurturing. Watch how naturally they interact in this beautiful tale of love and friendship. Starring Jim Broadbent, Lesley Manville and Ruth Sheen. 129 minutes.

THE COMPANY MEN *** 1/2 (R) Language and brief nudity. This is a wonderful film about the struggles of dedicated workers trying to survive in tough economic times. And yet, despite its early downer tones, it doesn't leave the viewer hopeless. Loved this movie. Starring Ben Affleck and Chris Cooper. 104 minutes.

THE HOUSEMAID ** 1/2 (Not rated, but likely R) Sexual content, nudity and thematic material. In Korean with subtitles. A rich young Korean couple hires an innocent, poor teen to watch over their one kid. The master of the house has other plans for her as well. It becomes an abuse of power that's hard to watch. 106 minutes.

SANCTUM ** 1/2 (R) Language and graphic peril. If caves made you nervous before, this film will put you into a coma. It starts off fine, but then veers off into a passageway that features the best and worst of man's survival instincts. Not surprisingly, it leans toward the worst and then can't resist adding an extra dash of melodrama. 109 minutes.

JUST GO WITH IT ** (PG-13) Frequent crude and sexual content, partial nudity, brief drug references. It's another broad Adam Sandler comedy that includes hot women in bikinis (Jennifer Aniston and Brooklyn Decker), but no Rob Schneider or David Spade, so it can't be all bad. This is definitely better than "Grown Ups," but that's faint praise at best. 116 minutes.

RUBBER * 1/2 (R) Some violent images and language. An old, worn-out car tire comes to life and tries to destroy nearly everything that crosses its path. Just think of it as Stephen King's "Christine," only on a shoestring budget. Sadly, it's not nearly as clever as it sounds. 82 minutes.

Steve Salles can be reached at films@standard.net.

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