Gran Torino ***1/2

Cast: Clint Eastwood, Bee Vang, Ahney Her, Christopher Carley
Director: Clint Eastwood
Running Length: 1:55
MPAA Classification: R

Walt Kowalski (Eastwood) is a grumpy old man whose wife has just died. He now lives with only his dog, and barely speaks with his family. The neighborhood where he lives is changing. There are more gangs and the population is becoming more diverse – two things which don’t please Walt at all. He doesn’t get along well with the Asian family next door, and when the son, Thao (Vang) tries to steal his 1972 Gran Torino, things get even cooler. But, after saving Thao from a gang, things change. Soon Thao is working for Walt doing chores, and his sister Sue (Her) is hanging out with Walt. The family is grateful for what Walt has done, but the gang is still out there, and they are not so easily dissuaded.

“Gran Torino” is a great showcase for Clint Eastwood. He makes the movie, and is the reason to see it. The grumpy, irritable Walt is a real piece of work, and his transformation is effective and believable. The supporting cast does a good job, but they are far outshined by Eastwood. The story is interesting and believable, and does not have a cheap (or cop-out) ending. Supposedly this is Eastwood’s last acting role. If that is the case, get out there and see “gran Torino.” You will not be disappointed.