A truly well done film, even with a well worn plot

Rating: 8/10 (17 December 2008)

Sure, there is no such thing as originality anymore. Every idea has been done to death already, and the redemption theme is no different. But, regardless of that, Eastwood has still made an excellent film, that had me on the verge of tears near the end. The only other movies that come to mind that has the same effect are Finding Neverland and Gone Baby Gone.
So many movies like this try to find a "forced" happy ending, thankfully, Eastwood resisted the temptation of higher box office in exchange for making a "feel good movie." The film ended the only way it could have, and remain realistic.
Sure, Eastwood shouldn't have given into the hubris of singing the end credits theme himself, but, that's a small issue, and in ways, his rough, raspy voice fits the theme of the film well.
Only the fact that yes, the theme has been done countless times before makes this movie an 8 instead of a 9.
See this one!