Old Vs. New: True Grit

[InformationGeek]

That Nostalgia Critic fellow did another one of these Old Vs. New on True Grit and I thought it would be fun to dicuss.

http://blip.tv/nostalgiacritic/nostalgia-critic-old-vs-new-true-grit-5275831

The decision maybe constroversial, but hey, it's his opinion and at least he backs it up with his own explaination.  So, breaking it down into the following:
+ Best Mattie
+ Best Rooster Cogburn
+ Best Supporting Cast
+ Best Villians
+ Best Story

What movie would you pick over the other?

[Criswell]

I'd pick the original. Mostly because I like classic westerns and I consider it one of the best from the late 60s. I did seriously love the Coen Brothers adaptation as well, but I don't think it has the charm the original does. Also i'd add the music from the 1969 version is a lot more memorable than the music from the newer one. Ill admit the supporting cast in the new one is much better. Glen Campbell from the original is a pretty lousy actor, and Kim Darby I wasn't too found of. John Wayne's presence is what really makes the original, and the direction of the Coen's is what make the new one.

I don't really see his opinion as controversial. I've heard the same opinion many times.

Bottom line - Two great westerns made in two different styles. But like the NC said, they are both great movies.

[indianasmith]

i don't remember the original very well - I haven't seen it in many, many years - but I just got done watching the remake and enjoyed it thoroughly . . . except for the music over the closing credits.  That has to be the WORST rendition of "Leaning On the Everlasting Arms"  I have EVER heard in my life!! (And trust me, in a lifetime of attending small Baptist churches, I have heard some LOUSY singers!!!)

[AndyC]

i don't remember the original very well - I haven't seen it in many, many years - but I just got done watching the remake and enjoyed it thoroughly . . . except for the music over the closing credits.  That has to be the WORST rendition of "Leaning On the Everlasting Arms"  I have EVER heard in my life!! (And trust me, in a lifetime of attending small Baptist churches, I have heard some LOUSY singers!!!)

Pretty much the same here. Don't remember much about the original, except that I liked it. Really enjoyed the new one. I don't see a need to choose one over the other.

[Hammock Rider]

John Wayne's presence is what really makes the original, and the direction of the Coen's is what make the new one.


Bottom line - Two great westerns made in two different styles. But like the NC said, they are both great movies.

  This is pretty much how I felt.

[The Burgomaster]

+ Best Mattie - I'd say this is pretty close.  A virtual tie.
+ Best Rooster Cogburn - John Wayne.  But Jeff Bridges is one of the few actors who could have pulled off the remake.  Close call, but I give it to the Duke.
+ Best Supporting Cast - Original.  Hey, Dennis Freakin' Hopper was in it!
+ Best Villians - Slight edge to the original.
+ Best Story - I think the remake was darker and and the ending was more of a bummer, so I'll give this category to the remake.

Overall, reasonably close.  But I'll declare the original the winner.

 

[Kaseykockroach]

What, no Blazing Saddles or Son of Paleface? :P
At least he mentioned The Searchers. -shrugs-

[Nightowl]

Nothing can beat the duke.

[Vik]

I feel the new True Grit is way better.

[Flick James]

I finally watched the new one last night and have to say I agree with most of the comments. I would say I every-so-slightly side with John Wayne version, due to it's classic status mostly, but they're both fine films. I liked the girl in this one better though. I bought her character a little more. 

[tracy]

As a huge fan of John Wayne I have to say that the new one simply didn't hold a candle to the original. In fact,the only reason I went to see it is because I really like Jeff Bridges. However,I was even more disappointed than I expected to be.

[alandhopewell]

     About the only thing I liked about the remake over the original was that Mattie's dialogue wasn't as painful to listen to.