Surprisingly funny

Rating: 9/10 (20 March 2009)

This film caught me unawares on two fronts. Firstly, its dark humour. Secondly, Clint's acting. I was looking forward to the film for his direction. In fact, it's brilliantly unobtrusive - immersion over ego.
Gran Torino presents an honest look at how people talk and act and live. It's not afraid to appear racist, which probably sent the critics running, and its a real shame. This glimpse of the American underbelly is far more interesting than critic-friendly left wing pandering or the usual disposable trash (sic).
Anyway, back to my original points. It's funny; it really is. And Clint's acting is superb. Now, if anything, I'm anti-Eastwood on this front. I thought Dirty Harry was an awfully over-rated pile of guff. But this portrayal of a similar character in a later stage of life is uncanny.
If I can have any criticism its the character development is too rapid. But surely this is double edged; how often do you wish a film was longer?