So...maybe this is like some kind of reverse troll? People are so accustomed to Armond White panning really good movies and praising really bad ones, so he puts out a review praising True Grit to confuse people and make them question whether it's actually a good movie or not! It's BRILLIANT!
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I actually like Mission to Mars, but not because it's actually a good movie. It's kind of like a big-budget modern take on 50's scifi, which appeals to me in a very basic way. I wouldn't call anyone out for panning it though.
i don't think he sleepwalks through it, i think he's pretty much playing the character as written in the novel and screenplay - full of bullshit, fat, drunk, getting older and easily winded, but still no one you want to press your luck with
also, i liked one of the changes they made for the 1969 movie better than the novel
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la boeuf dies from his head injury in the movie, lives in the novel
also, i liked one of the changes they made for the 1969 movie better than the novel
spoiler (click to show/hide)
la boeuf dies from his head injury in the movie, lives in the novel
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If he does, it isn't right away, but it isn't clear about what happens to him after Rooster rides off to save the little girl.
Anyway, I thought it was decent enough, though it isn't much more than an exorbitant display of the Coen's skill at ornate southern dialogue. Pretty hilarious at times, and certainly enjoyable, but it's no "A Serious Man" or anything.