vintage Eastwood

Rating: 7/10 (12 January 2009)

Clint Eastwood fans will be smiling ear to ear. Eastwood plays Walt Kowalski, a hardened, disgruntled Korean War veteran living in the ever-changing suburbs of Michigan.
Gran Torino is a drama. It has many parallels with John Singleton's early nineties release, 'Boyz in the Hood****1/2(outta5)'.
One of the surprising qualities of the film is it's humor. Walt is constantly throwing out fist pumping, 'dirty harry' tough guy lines. I have to say that the movie is extremely funny in what amounts to a serious character study.
Perhaps the only negative thing that I can point out is that none of the supporting cast can keep up with Clint's stage presence and acting ability.
Walt Kowalski is a role that is perfect for Clint. He's as adept behind the camera as he is in front of it and Gran Torino, if it is Clint's last, will be a grand exit and a fitting finish to an epic career. You'd think the 78yr old is invincible, unbreakable, but this film has some messages that made this viewer ask,'were they coincidence or was this Clint saying goodbye'. If for no other reason, see Gran Torino. 83/100