I’m not the type of guy who gets emotional at movies — I laugh or I feel down, but I almost never get to the extremes of any emotion. However, by the time the closing credits rolled around, I was as close to crying due to a movie as I have ever been. This movie is a comedic tragedy that somehow takes over its viewers’ emotions, despite the fact that several scenes and much of the acting drop the ball and break the “movie magic” that I went in expecting.
While Clint Eastwood gives a great performance, much of the supporting cast gave what I felt to be amateur performances similar to what I saw in high school plays. The three guys who harass Sue and her “boyfriend” are embarassing as bully/gangsters; and many members of the “Hmong” cast don’t get far past that level. And yet, at other times, there are moments of really good acting. Unfortunately, the bad acting was a nearly constant reminder throughout the entire movie that I was watching a movie rather than a true situation.
Yeah, it really was a triumph considering it was ol’ Clint’s last movie as an actor.
Regarding MetalJunky5000’s Review
As someone who also thought Gran Torino was Perfect, welcome to the club. Like you said “this is right up there with some of the best movies I’ve ever seen.” I agree, though it’s interesting that several other WikPik reviewers – some of whom I have on my Trusted list – didn’t agree. Go figure.