Dirty Harry Evolves

Rating: 10/10 (4 July 2009)

I gave this movie 10/10 not because I thought it was the perfect film, but because I think it is very good for absolutely anyone.
Clint Eastwood plays a curmudgeonly, old American patriot (maybe typecast) who is dealing with the death of his wife, living in a neighbourhood which has become predominantly inhabited by the very people he despises (basically, everyone else), simply by being there long enough.
What ensues is a man set in his ways, but with a lifetime of experiences and knowledge, trying to come to terms with modern life without the (one assumes) guiding hand of his now-deceased wife.
It sounds like a feel-good chick-flick (and it is) but what it also equally is, is Clint Eastwood at his best being Dirty Harry and his roles in the spaghetti westerns. Sounds impossible, but true.
This film manages to walk fine lines on so many fronts, and intelligently deals with them without losing any credibility or being patronising. Clint Eastwood's character (Walt Kowalski) manages to be Dirty Harry, Mr. Miyagi and Max Goldman (Walther Matthau's character in Grumpy Old Men) without effort...with subtle humour too.
It's thought-provoking and exciting at the same time. A grown-up movie that everyone can enjoy from ages...well...teens to Grumpy Old Men and Women.
If this movie doesn't win at least one Oscar for Clint Eastwood's performance, then that award isn't worth a pat on the back from your boss while they're off on their holidays paid for by the bonus they got for the work you did.