FILM FREAK: 3 buckets
MOVIE GEEK'S REVIEW:
'Gran Torino' is indeed a fine film, but it will be remembered as one of Clint Eastwood's lesser films.
Why? Because we've seen this from Eastwood. It's all very familiar. It's a retired 'Dirty Harry'. Sure, everyone loves to watch 'Dirty Harry', but from time to time, we want something new.
And 'Gran Torino's' Detroit-set story of racism, revenge, and urban decline unfortunately doesn't deliver anything fresh.
Eastwood plays disgruntled Korean War vet Walt Kowalski. When his prized 1972 Gran Torino is nearly stolen, he looks to clean up his dilapidated neighborhood.
Reluctantly, Walt forms a bond with one his neighbors, a Hmong teenager, who family is embroiled in a gang-related conflict.
I love Eastwood; he's a compelling actor, even if he chooses to play his character's displeasure through muddled grunts and huffs. It doesn't help that the Hmong actors and actresses can barely declare that their occupation.
Again, this film is not terrible, it's just not noteworthy. If you are a diehard Clint Eastwood fan, you'll dig this.
In the end, 'Gran Torino' is tonally a homage to Eastwood's earlier efforts and I expect more from this gifted filmmaker.
2 and a half buckets.
FILM FREAK'S REVIEW:
Of the westerns I've seen, there is a vintage Clint that can be counted on. A character that is angry, mean-spirited, strong, and perhaps even military with very little that he respects.
In fact, I remember one of his westerns that he would spit whenever he didn't respect his rival.
This is that Clint that has returned.
In Gran Torino, Walt (Clint Eastwood) is a widower who is also a curmudgeon of sorts. His own family does not really care for him. It seems as each time they visit or call it is very tense and uncomfortable.
Walt also appears to be somewhat of a racist against everyone, frankly. When Hmong, a teen neighbor, tries to steal his prized 1973 Gran Torino as a gang initiation. Thus begins the long process of Walt's cold heart thawing as he tries to help Hmong and his family.
Clint's character is easily hated early on. Again I was reminded of other characters Clint has played before, but this one seemed even meaner than the previous ones.
Walt is a Korean War veteran and has no love for Asians. Guess who moves in next door?
Before the end of the film, viewers not only begin to care about Walt and
respect him, they also begin to realize his kids and grandkids are probably more
of the problem than he is.
Comparison: Heartbreak Ridge
3 buckets.
