When news of this film began hitting the net some time ago, it was thought to potentially be the return of "Dirty Harry" Callahan to the big screen. The timing seemed right for Eastwood to bring back one of his most iconic characters for one last go around. Well, it turned out not to be true. Although, with Walt Kowalski, it does seem as if Eastwood may have had Harry in the back of his mind as he went about crafting just what this disgruntled old curmudgeon would be like on the screen. Well, perhaps a cross between Harry and Jeff Dunham's Walter. In any case, the audience is the winner as we get a fascinating story of vengeance, regret, friendship, and redemption.
Walter's (Clint Eastwood) wife has just passed and he spends his days sitting on his porch with his dog, Daisy, drinking beer and making sure people stay off of his lawn. His relationship with his children and grandchildren is icy at best. They see him as an angry old man who does not listen to them (actually, this is not that far from the truth), and he sees them as ingrates who do not respect America and work in dead end jobs. Walt is not one to sugar coat his feelings and is quick to give a sneer and growl at anything or anyone he does not like.
Walt's issues just escalate when an Asian family moves in next door with the non-English speaking grandmother, strange customs, and odd foods. This does not sit well with the aged Korean veteran, but it is a sign of changing times. The neighborhood where Walt has lived most of his life has slowly been changing into an immigrant neighborhood with escalating gang activity. It is clear that it is merely a matter of time before Walt is forced into something he does not want to do.
It becomes clear early on that Walter is more than just a cranky old man set in racist ways. He is living with a past that weighs heavily on him and at his advanced age, it is becoming more and more of a burden he will eventually need to exorcise. The first step towards his personal redemption comes when the neighbor boy, Thao (Bee Vang), attempts to steal his prized 1972 mint condition Gran Torino as part of his gang initiation, but is interrupted when Walt investigates. This pretty much seals his opinion of the new neighbors.
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