Unlike many movie fans I don't generally get over excited at the prospect of a new Clint Eastwood film. As an actor and director I have enjoyed his work but there have also been some films that have left me wondering what all the fuss is about. Perhaps it's because I am not a fan of the Western genre or maybe as I was just that little bit too young to see Dirty Harry when it first came on the Big Screen ... I was four years old! I think I am more of a fan of Eastwood as a director than an actor with Bridges of Madison County (yes, you heard right), Mystic River and now Gran Torino amongst my favorites.It's been five years since the world saw Eastwood act in the multi Oscar winning Million Dollar Baby and judging by his performance here he clearly missed being in front of the camera. As grouchy and bigoted Korean War Vet Walt Kowalski, he turns in an assured performance that is 100% natural and believable. The movie deals with Walt recently losing his wife and coming to terms and ultimately building a relationship with a Hmong family in the house next door. After much growling and grumbling a real relationship is formed between Walt and the son and daughter of the Hmong family with the Eastwood's character becoming a father figure the boy never had after he forgives the teenager for trying to steal his 1972 Gran Torino (a dare the boy was put up to by a local Asian street gang). There are numerous scenes that offer humor and some amount of pathos for a man whose relationship with his real sons has broken down over the years through their inability to communicate.
There was perhaps a temptation to overplay the obvious opportunities for tension with a Korean war Vet interacting with his Hmong neighbors but Eastwood would never stumble so obviously as a director. The daughter of the family is played with a wonderful directness by newcomer Ahney Her who separates the suspicion of her parents generation by accepting Walt and not giving him the chance to refuse her kindness after he helps save her brother from a gang beating. But really this is a one man show. Eastwood commands every scene and even the amusingly cherub faced (and very ginger) Priest played by Christopher Carley doesn't take your attention away from the fact that a screen legend is giving one of the performances of his career.
As great as Eastwood was in Gran Torino the movie falls just a little short of being a classic. While it is undoubtedly well paced, thought provoking and satisfying, there is perhaps a missing depth of emotion that Eastwood has offered in other movies which keeps Gran Torino from receiving five stars. It's still a terrific film and it just came out on DVD so do yourself a favor and enjoy a Clint flick this weekend as he won't be making them forever.
Rating: ****
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