On Saturday I went to see Slumdog Millionaire but it was sold out. Good for me, because I ended up seeing Gran Torino instead. First of all, this movie is not for the politically correct, it’s packed with racial slurs. Clint Eastwood plays Walt Kowalski, an Archy Bunker meets Special Forces type that befriends a Mung family next door. I thought Eastwood gave a excellent performance. His character even though crude, crusty, and harsh, was very likable from the beginning. The plethora of racial slurs lamented by Kowalski were suprisingly not awkward, because he made you laugh at them in a weird way.

It was refreshing to see a movie that didn’t have the usual Hollywood fluff of action scenes, CGI, or a convenient love story. This was a coming of age movie. It was cool to see a character in his late 70’s mature and see what was causing his inner pain and address it. I was also ironic, although planned no doubt, that the neighbors whom he befriends reminds him of the very people he fought in the Korean war which caused his struggle.

It was wonderful to see a tiny Asian girl (Sue) break through the scruffy shell of Kowalski and get him to take her brother (Thao) under his wing. This movie has good acting and a great story. The dialouge is marvelous and the flow of the movie is constant. I also love the fact this movie has a traditional message with a hint of conservative flavor.

I would give this movie 4 out of 5 sports. Go see this movie.

Tags: Music and Movie Reviews //