True Grit - Western Frolic with Matt Damon & Jeff Bridges

To avenge the death of her father, head-strong Mattie Ross (Hailee Steinfeld) decides to seek the help of Rooster Cogburn (Jeff Bridges), a US marshall with "true grit" to capture Tom Chaney (her father's murderer, played by Josh Brolin). Problem is, Cogburn has taken to his alcohol and his current reprobate character may prove the deed an impossibility, as they had to find him in the tough environs of the craggy and often dangerous Indian territory of the wild west. As Mattie tags along beside Cogburn, they soon find the road arduous; the venture too uncertain. There's another problem: LaBoeuf (Matt Damon), a well-meaning Texas Ranger, is after Chaney too, and he wants him "hanged" elsewhere. Will they ever see eye to eye to capture the slippery Chaney?

This intelligent, often funny Coen Brothers' western is a $100 million box office triumph that provides a harmonious hybrid of great film making and mainstream charm. It boasts of able performances from Bridges, Damon, the sinister Brolin, and the spunky Filipino-American Hailee Steinfeld who gets an Oscar nomination (in a supporting role, though her presence dictates a truly lead presence). Bridges is once again nominated for an Oscar lead, and I can't say I am surprised. Western fun gets the Coen Brothers' treatment.

Texas Ranger LaBoeuf

14 year old Mattie Ross seeks to avenge his father's death by capturing his murderer. Hailee Steinfeld is half-Filipina, and is nominated for an Oscar for her performance here as head-strong Mattie.

Inebriated Rooster Cogburn, true grit and intoxication. Will he deliver?

Mattie helps to feed the hurt LaBoeuf.

Christina Aguilera, Cher & Cam Gigandet Do "Burlesque"

Like the proverbial cliché, it is indeed a tale as old as time! Small town girl packs up and leaves an Ohio county for the big city, wishing for a better life. But she ends up dispossessed (her hotel room was ransacked), left penniless and unemployed. She finds a curious joint in the backstreets of the city – where sexy ravishing beauties parade in Vegas-style choreographed numbers. “I can do that!” she thought.

Christina Aguilera plays ambitious Ali who, when she wanted a spot in the club, volunteered her free waitressing services if it gets her a foot in the door. Before long, she even has the nerve to suggest that the musical revues should include real live singing, which the owner Tess (played by Cher) initially dismisses. When a distracted and negligent star performer fails to show up, Ali ends up on stage – and when she’s further faced with a botched up record, all she had to do was employ her laryngeal wonders – the Aguilera way. Is there any doubt to Aguilera's traffic-stopping vocal prowess? What we then have is a feast to the auditory and visual senses. Ali becomes an over night star; the club gets a new lease in life, and the city is abuzz with this latest sensation.

If only wealthy, sexy, but unscrupulous Marcus (Eric Dane) would leave the club alone, right? Unfortunately, Tess couldn’t seem to come up with enough dough to pay for her bad loans, and the club’s existence is suddenly in peril.

I am not too fond of Christina Aguilera the personality, although I actively patronize all her CDs. She is a superstar for very valid reasons. But this cinematic outing is something that deserves real ovation for Aguilera who grabs the silver screen with magical charm and sensitivity I never expected from the singing superstar. Cher plays gravitas-bearing support to Aguilera. The rest of the cast is nothing to scoff at: Alan Cumming who performs a Cabaret-like number; Kristen Bell as the catty Nikki, Ali’s main rival; Peter Gallagher as the crafty financial adviser; Stanley Tucci as Tess’ assistant (and occasional bisexual lover); Josh Brolin does a cameo as the “other” business magnate; and of course, the irresistibly sexy Cam Gigandet who plays Jack, Ali’s bartender friend, “savior” and roommate who’s secretly falling for her!

One of my favorite scenes is Cam’s hilarious strip tease which started with him donning a ghastly red PJ, but while seducing Ali, each garments gradually come off until all that’s left is a box of nuts! Boy oh boy those nuts! LOL. A favorite musical highlight isn’t the Golden Globe-nominated “You Haven’t Seen The Last of Me” penned by Dianne Warren. It maybe anthemic – read: melodramatic – but it’s really Aguilera’s “Show Me How You Burlesque” that spelled blistering magic! Atta girl, Ms. Aguilera!

The film is a tad predictable, the way flicks like these usually are (“Coyote Ugly”, anyone?) but the energy, the charm of the ensemble; the pulsating, feet-snapping music and choreography; the subtle flirtations between Ali and Jack, and the good-versus-evil scenario will easily win you over! This is unadulterated fun at the movies! Go watch!

Steve Antin directs his second feature film.

Cher as the cash-strapped club owner Tess; Cam Gigandet as the unforgivably sexy Jack who's nursing a broken heart and falling in love at the same time!

Christina Aguilera as ambitious small town girl Ali.

Aguilera in (can you believe it?) one of a supposed CD cover (above), my friend mentioned!

Cher the formidable femme fatale!

Cam Gigandet - It's illegal to look this delectable! ;->

Gigandet - His last name is pronounced "Ji-GON-Day".He's a black belter in the Israeli martial arts called "Krav Maga". He has one daughter.

Cam Gigandet appears next in the Single White Female-like "The Roomate".