Critics Praise 2010's True Grit as a Superior Remake to John Wayne's Classic
Remaking a beloved Western is always a risky proposition, especially when the original earned John Wayne his only Academy Award.
But according to The Hollywood Reporter, the Coen brothers pulled off the seemingly impossible with 2010's True Grit, naming it one of the rare film remakes that surpassed the original.
Critics appear to agree. The remake holds an impressive 95% critics score on Rotten Tomatoes, compared to the 87% earned by the 1969 version starring Wayne.
Why the Remake Worked
While the original True Grit remains one of John Wayne's signature films, The Hollywood Reporter argues that the Coen brothers' version succeeds by returning to Charles Portis' 1968 novel instead of trying to recreate the earlier movie.
The publication noted that the remake embraces the novel's darker tone while restoring 14-year-old Mattie Ross to the emotional center of the story. Played by Hailee Steinfeld in her breakout performance, Mattie drives the film as she seeks justice for her father's murder, hiring aging U.S. Marshal Rooster Cogburn to help track down his killer.
Rather than attempting to imitate Wayne's Oscar-winning performance, Jeff Bridges makes the role entirely his own. The Hollywood Reporter praised Bridges' portrayal as a rougher, more weathered Cogburn whose redemption feels earned through hardship instead of heroic legend.
The remake also replaces some of the lighter touches of the 1969 film with a grittier, more grounded atmosphere. Matt Damon steps into the role of Texas Ranger LaBoeuf, while Roger Deakins' stark cinematography gives the American frontier a harsher, more realistic look.
Critics Favored the Coens' Version
Although John Wayne's True Grit remains a Western classic, the numbers suggest critics embraced the remake even more enthusiastically.
The 2010 film's 95% Tomatometer tops the original's 87%, reflecting the widespread acclaim it received following its release.
The remake also earned 10 Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture, Best Director for Joel and Ethan Coen, Best Actor for Jeff Bridges and Best Supporting Actress for Steinfeld. While it ultimately went home empty-handed, the nominations underscored how highly the film was regarded by critics and the industry alike.
A Rare Remake That Won Over Audiences
Hollywood remakes are often met with skepticism, especially when they revisit iconic performances. Yet True Grit has become one of the rare exceptions.
By staying closer to Charles Portis' original novel while delivering standout performances from Bridges, Steinfeld and Damon, the Coen brothers created a Western that honors its source material without simply repeating what came before.
More than a decade later, it's still widely regarded as one of the best modern Westerns-and, according to The Hollywood Reporter, one of the few remakes that truly outshines the original.
This story was originally published by Men's Journal on Jun 28, 2026, where it first appeared in the Entertainment section. Add Men's Journal as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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This story was originally published June 28, 2026 at 12:35 AM.