It's taken me 16 years to get round to seeing this. I remember that it was billed as possibly Clint Eastwood's last film but I think he is making that now in 2025. Good old Clint. It's not an easy name to carry off.
This is a fairly simple movie of redemption with elements of the Karate Kid, and that's no bad thing. Clint Eastwood makes it five times as watchable as it could or should be. Cast that role badly and I would have been tuning out.
The villains are irritatingly but satisfyingly nasty.
Having seen it a week ago now, what I largely remember is that plot points are mentioned rather than telegraphed and often not even mentioned, just hinted at. I'm sure this enhances the movie in the eyes of critics but it means the rest of us have to work a little harder so we don't miss anything.
It continues to surprise me how failing to concentrate on just one line of the movie can make you miss a whole connection.
There is a way out - watch movies with somebody else and discuss the points that could occur to you - particularly when it comes to my favourite kind of movie - the twisty turny thrillers. It's like two people doing an escape room. It helps to have friends.
But if you're guessing (aloud) a twist in a thriller or surprise ending/reveal then you may find out who your real friends are sooner rather than later.
So take care.
As always, Wikipedia to check the plot (don't read it first)
And there's usually YouTube videos to explain the ending (and define some things you missed)
If you understood everything and it's sci-fi, there are probably Easter eggs (you-tube, Google)
All these things take the pressure off following a complex plot.
You shouldn't have to work that hard after all. It's an entertainment not an SAT.
Gran Torino (2008) One line review: A complete drama with a magnetic Clint.
Satisfaction - Guaranteed
Who would enjoy this? Clint-lovers and anyone who is patient. I don't remember it having the quickest of starts.
Rewatchable? No, not really. The choice of conclusion always limits my interest in seeing a film again.
No comments:
Post a Comment