Clint Eastwood has done a lot of films. Over 50 for sure. He has directed almost 30 of them as well. He has learned a lot over his years of film making, which explains why Mystic River, Million Dollar Baby, and Changeling are so well-done. Now Eastwood acts and directs this film. His last time on-screen was in his film Million Dollar Baby. Supposedly, this may be the last time he is on screen. Well, if that’s the case, he ended on a good note.
He plays a war veteran named Walt Kowalski who has lived in the same neighborhood for years and has watched it change over the years. He is a stubborn man who is racist on every level and against all nationalities. Walt is old school and seems to fit the stereotypical elder by hating the youth of today and the way they dress and appear. He is stuck in his own ways and does not plan to change on how he views the world. However, plans can always change.
The story is about Walt and the immigrant family that moves in next door. He ends up protecting the immigrant family from a gang. He did not do it for them, but is still seen as a hero by them. It begins with Thao (Bee Vang) practically being forced in to trying to steal Walt’s precious Gran Torino in order to join his cousin’s gang. This circumstance connects the family and Walt. For better or worse. So, Thao works off his debt to Walt by doing any handy work that Walt wants. Through the process, Walt gets to know Thao and the rest of his family. He starts to understand how his family works and becomes closer to them than to his own family. Walt has to confront his prejudices head-on. And soon he is watching out for this immigrant family. Except this time it’s on purpose and for a damn good reason.
The story fits so well with the times we live in. Eastwood is perfect as Walt. Walt really is the older version of Dirty Harry. However, Walt becomes open about change and whether he likes it or not, the world is different. It is constantly changing. Eastwood has directed another great movie that has a great story that entertains and delivers a message. It is funny, touching, and contains a message of hope, forgiveness, and change. The film is about acceptance and always learning. No matter how old you are, we are always learning.
Brandon Vick is a member of The Music City Film Critics’ Association, the resident film critic of the SoBros Network, and the star of The Vick’s Flicks Podcast. Follow him on Twitter @SirBrandonV and be sure to search #VicksFlicks for all of his latest movie reviews.
Check out the SoBros Shop. Become a Patron. Give us money for no reason. Like us on Facebook. Follow us on Twitter @SoBrosNetwork. Watch on YouTube.