True Grit

Well, I won't pretend that the trailer for the Coen Brothers' 'True Grit' tells me everything about the movie, despite the appearance that it does just that.

Not like it matters anyway. I mean, is there anything more awesome than Jeff Bridges as a hardened, one-eyed cowboy shooting people ruthlessly to the chords of peppery molasses that is Johnny Cash? If you think of something, you let me know.

'True Grit' is a remake of a 1969 John Wayne western that I have never seen and likely won't before this film comes out, as I dare not ruin an ending that might be similar to the original. Though again, knowing the Coens, the minds behind "No Country for Old Men" and "The Big Lebowski," who knows what to expect?

The trailer for their epic keeps things taught and gruff, the way a good western should be. Jeff Bridges plays 'that guy' who is tough, worn, and icy cold, but deep down has a heart of gold. You know the type. Probably. Matt Damon shows up as a Texas ranger who assists Bridges as he leads little Mattee Ross (Hailee Steinfeld) on a hunt for the man who killed her father, played by the always-interesting Josh Brolin.

Only one major plot-point is spoiled in the trailer, that Brolin eventually gets his hands on the little girl and this makes Jeff Bridges unhappy. And as unhappy cowboys tend to do, he appears to grow more violent.

The music helps this trailer pop, again, using the famous vocal chords of Johnny Cash. "God's Gonna Cut You Down" (an uplifting title) is the song that carries the second half.

Additional kudos go to the trailer cutters for keeping on-screen text to a minimum.

The elements all come together and make for a delightful promise of great cinema. Again, were it anyone but the Coens, I would think too many surprises got ruined, but knowing them as I do -- I am gonna call it "Opening Day."

Picture opens in limited release on Christmas Day.