Just saw True Grit. While it was good, I have to say it was a very un-Coen brothers movie in a lot of ways, only a few characters and moments (the bear dentist, the Indian being hanged, and Rooster for a lot of parts) really reminded me I was watching a Coen brothers movie. I heard a reviewer describe it as having "restraint" and I think that is a good way to put it. In the end though it makes it a little predictable and I did expect more memorable moments.
Still liked it a lot though, just as a huge Coen brothers fan it didn't quite live up to expectations I had. I expected something stranger or more unique and they made a pretty traditional Western for the most part.
While it had a few humorous moments and some really dark ones, it strode the dark and comic line in a more ambigious way than maybe any of the Coen brothers movies. Usually they fall more one way than the other but this had a tone that was hard to nail down.
And as far as the John Wayne connection, it doesn't really have much relevance since this is not a remake, the movie feels so much different and is based on the book. John Wayne movies are kind of their own genre and this doesn't have much similarities. As far as the whole cast goes, it's a much better acted movie and goes for a much different vibe, they are all actors here and there are no singers. I never have been much of a Wayne fan but either way I don't think that should keep fans of Westerns away from this new True Grit.