If this is Clint's acting finale, it is a grand one!

Rating: 9/10 (21 December 2008)

I saw this movie a few days ago at a pre-screening in Denver, Co. I have only been to a handful of movies in my life in which there was applause at the end. This was one of them. I also found myself cheering for an acting performance that will remain historical. Mr. Eastwood's portrayal of Walt Kowalski is perfect in the way that he envelops the character, a character with flaws, inner turmoils, and ultimately a willingness to accept what he has always perceived as unacceptable. There are other good performances, but this is Clint Eastwood's movie. He is the focal point of every scene. He is at times very serious, at times very funny, but he is always believable. There are a few scenes where he could have rekindled Dirty Harry, but he didn't. Dirty Harry, also one of my favorites, was super-human, Walt Kowalski is human, with human characteristics. When Walt is a smart-ass, it is very funny, but we also see that turmoil that creates the behavior. Many out there will say that this is just a 78 year old actor trying to look tough one last time, but they would be missing the heart and soul of this performance. We see this toughness, but it, in no way diminishes the true depth of the character or Clint Eastwood's portrayal of the character. We should all see this great actor/director and this great performance on Oscar night.