Gran Torino is a Smart, Funny Ride

The following review is by the Super Mommy,

a regular contributor to the movie mommy blog!

Clint Eastwood still has it. If you have any doubt that the man who originated the concept of the action hero with his “Dirty Harry” movies can still cut the mustard, go see “Gran Torino.” Eastwood is writing the book on what it means to be an elder statesman of action films – by gracefully aging his way into roles that showcase his heroic skills without being ridiculous, that are intelligent but not preachy, thought-provoking but still a thrill-ride of excitement and humor.
In “Gran Torino,” a VERY old-looking Eastwood plays Walt Kowalski, an unrepentant bigot who is incensed at the degeneration he sees taking place around him as poverty, immigrants and drug-dealers move into his once-bucolic, middle-class suburban Michigan neighborhood. A former Ford factory worker and Korean War vet, Walt lives alone after the death of his wife, with a dog, lots of beer and his classic Gran Torino as his only comforts. His family – two sons, two trophy wives and three spoiled grandchildren – are distant, disinterested and just waiting for the old man to kick the bucket so they can get their hands on what few possessions he has left.
Haunted by memories of the war, isolated from anyone who really cares about him, Walt is understandably abrasive and verbally abusive to almost anyone who tries to reach out to him, including the young Catholic priest who ministered to Walt’s wife in her final days. But at heart, Kowalski is a man who believes in right and wrong, and he reluctantly finds himself drawn into the lives of his Hmong neighbors when he sees them trying to valiantly face down evil within their community.
With Eastwood as director and star, I expected great drama, some excitement and enough action to keep me in my seat. I was surprised by the amount of humor laced throughout “Gran Torino.” Yes, it’s a great thrill ride and some intense drama, but it’s also funny as hell. Most of the humor is racially motivated, but it works because it reveals the absurdity of racism without making Walt look like a fool. I actually laughed more during this movie than when I watched “Pineapple Express.”
While the supporting cast does a credible job, Eastwood is really the star of the show and it’s his performance that makes it work. He proves he can still be a hard-ass with heart, an anti-hero who is noble and heroic to the core, in spite of himself. You may think you know were “Gran Torino” is going, but the twist at the end (although somewhat predictable) will still feel gratifying and right.
After all these years, Eastwood is still awesome. Gran Torino is a ride well worth taking!
MMMMM (and I wish I could give it more!) out of 5 M's

The movie mommy thanks the Super Mommy for,

once again, writing a super review!