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| Movie Review: Gran Torino Alternate Title: Edsel
Story: Old man yells at cloud.
He also yells at neighbors, the grass, the weather, his family, the
parish priest and anything else that crosses his path. Walt Kowalski,
is recently widowed, bitter and racist. He is angry at everything and
especially the fact that his neighborhood has been taken over by Asian
immigrants. As a Korean War Vet, this is not something he is happy about.
He just wants to be left alone to drink his beer, walk his dog and sulk.
Clint Eastwood both stars and
directs and his signature is everywhere. It was written by Nick
Schenk, based on a story by Dave Johannson
and Mr. Schenk. The good news is that if you are a fan of Clint
Eastwood, you get exactly what you are paying for. A tough, no nonsense
man's man type of character, whose outer crust is razor sharp but if
you can get inside, there is softness and kindness. His outsized racist
remarks are very funny and the very predictable story line allows the
audience to feel comfortable laughing at the politically incorrect jokes. The bad news is that the story is so predictable
that I was mouthing the words before I heard them spoken. I was disappointed
in the lack of surprises and the cartoon stereotypes across the board.
That said - it is still a Clint Eastwood film and will probably make
a lot of money. Watch the trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9teLeXZ3XMU Acting: Clint (or should I say 'Squint) Eastwood,
snarled, growled and barked his way through this piece. Bee
Vang as young neighbor, Thao Lor, was adequate. Ahney
Her as Sue Lor, was delightful and Christopher Carley
as Father Janovich was perfectly cast. Trivia: Clint Eastwood was drafted and served in the
United States Army from1950-1954 and was assigned to Special Services.
He was a swimming instructor. It's interesting, given his penchant towards
directing or starring in westerns, that his name, Clint Eastwood, is
an anagram for 'old west action.' He weighed 11 lbs 6 oz at birth. At
age 74, he became the oldest person to win the Best Director Oscar for
Million Dollar Baby (2004).
Predilection: None.
Critters: A delightful yellow lab named Daisy and
a fleeting cat.
Food: Lots and lots of yummy Asian food. I was hungry
throughout.
Blatant Product Placement: Ford
Soundtrack: A nice mix of music by Kyle Eastwood
and Michael Stevens
Opening Titles: Simple type over the scenes of a church
funeral.
Theater Audience: Crowded
Weather: Summer in Michigan,.
Sappy Factor: 1
Quirky Meter: 0
Squirm Scale: 1
Drift Factor: It was about 30 minutes too long. I
drifted.
Predictability Level: Very high
Tissue Usage: You would have to have a heart of stone
not to get emotional at the very predictable, yet well crafted ending.
Oscar Worthy: No
Big Screen or Rental: Either would be fine.
Length: Two hours.
LOBO HOWLS: 7 |