I'm a fan of the 1969 movie as well as the book. It's a must-read for anyone interested in mid-19th century Southern dialogue.

Our Auburn friends here for the week pursuaded us to go see "True Grit", which turned out better than expected. As some of you might know, all three "good guys" in the movie -- Rooster Cogburn, LaBoeuf (the Texas Ranger) and Mattie Ross' father -- were Confederate veterans. Without giving too much away, in this version of "True Grit" LaBoeuf and Rooster Cogburn part ways after an argument over Rooster's wartime association with "Captain" Quantrell.

Despite what people will say about John Wayne, Jeff Bridges is far more believable as a tobacco-stained and sour-smelling Rooster Cogburn. Matt Damon is well cast as an earnest and proud Texas Ranger. As attractive as the scenery was in the original filmed in Wyoming, sets in this version more authentic. This is an award-winning performance which I highly recommend.
http://rogerebert.suntimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20101221/REVIEWS/101229997