Gran Torino (Rating: 8.5)

Clint Eastwood gives a masterful performance in the upcoming Gran Torino. I was not expecting to be so thoroughly entertained on so many levels. From the first few minutes the entire crowd was laughing uncontrollably! I came in under the guise of this being a Dirty Harry type movie. It isn't, though a few scenes reminded me of that beloved character in American action cinema. This movie may someday stand alone as one of Clint's top performances, in reportedly his last acting part.

A classic line in the movie is when Clint's character, Walt Kowalski, is driving his truck and comes across his female, Hmong neighbor being badgered by thugs. One of the punks spouts, "What are you lookin' at old man?" To which Walt calmly, yet sternly replies, "Ever notice how you come across somebody once in a while you shouldn't have messed with? That's me."

Be forewarned, this movie is not for those who are easily offended, and young children should probably stay at home due to language and some violent imagery. Kowalski has the mouth of a salty sea captain and he's very bitter about life. If you can handle such politically incorrect lines such as when Walt tells this joke, "A Mexican, a Jew, and a colored guy go into a bar. The bartender looks up and says, 'Get the fuck out of here,'" then you'll be prepared for some of what to expect.


This film is not only humorous, it's also packed with drama and some action. The film takes a darker turn towards the end and many patrons were crying, only minutes after belly laughing. Eastwood hit one out of the park with this gem! Thanks to first-time Minnesota screenwriter Nick Schenk for handwriting the script in Grumpy’s bar in Minneapolis. I give this film an 8.5 out of 10 and highly recommend everyone check it out this Friday, January 9th!

Watch the trailer below: