How has this scored so highly?

Rating: 5/10 (12 January 2009)

Because Clint Eastwood directs it? Because Clint Eastwood stars in it? Because Clint Eastwood portrays a very convincing role? Because of Clint Eastwood! To be honest, if those are the reasons, I'd have to affirm that I agree with all except the first one (and perhaps then I'm not entirely sure of my answer)!
I liked the premise of this film and I thought Clint Eastwood was great in it. But that's where it ended for me. The acting of all the other characters is nothing to write about. If their passive, lack of emotion was intended, they did a great job. I felt next to nothing for the characters' welfare in the story, besides Walt (Clint)!
To be fair, and iterate on my previous comment; Clint Eastwood is, definitely brilliant in this film. But one actor definitely doesn't make a film good, or the fact that it has a "loving" message! If this is the fault of the director. Then so be it, I think Clint Eastwood direction failed in this movie!