It seems that whenever a new Clint Eastwood film is announced nowadays it immediately is thrown into Oscar contention. Regardless of the plot, or the people that are involved, it is automatically considered a "good" film. However, rarely any of those films ever turn out to be something worth even mentioning. Since his 2004 Best Picture win for Million Dollar Baby, Eastwood has had four other films that have graced the silver screen. Flags of Our Fathers, which was a poor attempt at re-creating the flying of the flag at Iwo Jima, Letters from Iwo Jima, which was Eastwood's best directorial effort and Changeling which may be one of the worst films of 2008.

Fortunately enough for Eastwood, he released another film in 2008 entitled Gran Torino. When the film was first announced, rumors flew around stating that it was the new Dirty Harry film which Eastwood abruptly denied. When the actual plot was announced and the trailer was released, I found it to be laughable and in fact, quite horrid. The film was just given a wide release though, so I figured that I would give it a chance.

The Plot

Gran Torino centers on a bitter old racist Korean War veteran, Walt Kowalski (Clint Eastwood in his supposed final acting role). Walt is thrown into an interesting predicament when an Oriental family named the Lors, moves into the house next door. The conflict between the two cultures begins as exchanging looks and then escalates into the family's son, Thao (Bee Vang), tries to steal Walt's most prized possession, his 1972 Gran Torino. As a result of the crime, Thao is offered to Walt as a personal servant for a week to repent for his wronging. Throughout the week, the two men form a strange sort of bond. One that is seen, but not spoken of. Although Walt has been bitter towards people of different ethnicity for the majority of his life, he finds somewhat of a solace in the Lors. He begins to show compassion in minor actions and even goes to great lengths to secure the protection.

Our Take

Eastwood is of course fantastic. Some people regard his role as a representation of himself, but Eastwood just embodies his character that believably. The direction by Eastwood is also above par, but nothing that is immensely memorable. Another notable feat by Eastwood in the film was the score which featured the fantastic Golden Globe nominated original song, "Gran Torino." Bee Vang as the innocent Thao annoyed me when he was first introduced but grew on me just as he did on Walt. While his acting was a bit amateurish at times, there were moments that he showed promise for an acting future. While I found the dialogue to be laughable and quite bad at times, Nick Schenck's original screenplay was able to avoid a cliché reddened ending and actually satisfied the audience with a fresh sense of originality. The film has some hilarious moments with Eastwood foul mouthing residents of the town and explains to Thao the importance of being blunt and obscene in conversations with certain people.

Besides Eastwood and Vang every other actor in the film is horrific. No actors in the film show any bit of talent whatsoever. Certain moments that had the ability to be poignant were ruined by piss poor acting and actually made me cringe at times. Although I listed the script as being "good" the only "good" aspect was the ending and some of Eastwood's witty obscene dialogue. Other than that the dialogue was quite bad and predictable. The worst part of the film though was the way that the "ghetto" in certain areas was portrayed. In a film where one of the main themes is racial acceptance shouldn't racial stereotypes be avoided at all costs? The way African Americans and some of the gangsters are portrayed is far-fetched, ridiculous and somewhat insulting. It represents them exactly as everyone pictures them, mindless hooligans. Is there no point to putting realism into films anymore?

While Gran Torino is certainly no Letters from Iwo Jima, it is not a horrendous film. In fact, it is a good film, sure it has its moments but Eastwood is able to make up for them. Although I felt that the first hour dragged, the second hour was enticing as the relationship of Walt and the Lors blossomed on the screen. Sure the film is clichéd at times, but it is easy to overlook its faults. Gran Torino is no Oscar worthy film, but it is a decent addition to Clint Eastwood's film career.

eMovieGuide Rating: 6 out of 10

Reviewed by Nello De Angelis

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