Every film geek got excited with the recent announcement that Jeff Bridges will star in the Coen brothers remake of True Grit. That 1969 Western earned John Wayne an Oscar for playing the gruff, fat, one-eyed lawman Rooster Cogburn (Bridges role in the remake, which films next spring and is set for 2011 release). Paired with Sergio Leones Once Upon a Time in America, True Grit concludes NWFFs 69 film series, and the picture is an artifact of the era. Wayne is a violent reactionary who rails against defense attorneys and tends to shoot fugitives before claiming the bounty. But hes also a comic reactionary, something like Falstaff, a lonely old drunk with a criminal past. He and Glen Campbells upright, immaculately coiffed Texas Ranger pursue the man who killed the father of stubborn teen heroine Kim Darby. She pays for Waynes drinks, and he pretends hes not taking orders. She bosses him around, and he feigns anger. But they both know hes glad for the company. (She reminds me of me, he says.) Its one of the loosest, most enjoyable performances in Waynes long career, like The Searchers played for laughs. The all-star villains include Robert Duvall, Dennis Hopper, and Strother Martin. (PG) BRIAN MILLER
Sat., Dec. 12, 6 p.m.; Sun., Dec. 13, 6 p.m., 2009
