My Weekend Crush

Relax, relax, seriously, relax. Obviously, this is not that kind of crush. This is a talent crush, plain and simple. Because after belatedly seeing “True Grit” last weekend, I have become a true believer in Hailee Steinfeld. First things first, Hailee is 14. So, again, totally not that kind of crush. But at 14 she is already amazing. Child stars can be good, they can be great, but seldom do they exhibit the long-term potential as Hailee in their very first movie. Most child stars work because they’re convincing as children. Hailee works because she is convincing as a character. It’s not that she plays older than her 14 years, it’s that she plays as genuine. There’s nothing gimmicky, cutesy or dainty about Mattie Ross. She doesn’t smack of preciousness. Instead she is no-nonsense and knows who she is. She is as good a female character as you’ll see all year. Strong, smart, sensible, determined, driven, dedicated. By all appearances, Hailee is as well. And, because it bears repeating, Hailee is only 14 years old. So in 10 years, she’ll still just be 24. Hollywood’s future? Pretty damn bright. Happy weekend, all.