True Grit

The Dude takes over for the Duke in this remake of the John Wayne classic of the same name. The Coen brothers bring their usual razor sharp wit to this classic story about an old marshal who sets out to help a young girl find her father's killer. The performances are fantastic (especially by Bridges as the iconic Rooster Cogburn) and really sell the sometimes dizzying dialogue. This is a welcome foray into the style and feel of the classic westerns Hollywood used to make. The disappointingly brief ending is the only thing keeping this from "classic" status.

Bryce ***
Chase ***
Landon ***
Logan ***

BANGERANG SCORE: ***

The King's Speech

After an all-time great summer of terrific movies, "The King's Speech" closes out the movie year that is 2010 in compelling fashion. Colin Firth is incredible as a man with a speech impediment who unexpectedly finds himself on the throne of Britain in the face of World War II. With the help of his speech therapist (Geoffrey Rush in an underrated performance) he must find a way to overcome his stammering in order to rally the country and become a strong leader. This is an entertaining and insightful film that absolutely deserves all the praise it has received. "The King's Speech" is a great film.

Bryce ***1/2
Chase ***1/2
Landon ****
Logan ****

BANGERANG SCORE: ***1/2