Written by Hombre Divertido
Clint Eastwood is certainly capable of carrying a film, and has proven his ability to direct and act in the same endeavor, but this film displays a severe lack of capability by anyone in front or behind the camera. Let us hope that this is not the last time we see Eastwood on the big screen, because this is a terrible film.
It was obvious that the audience was in trouble in the very first scene of the movie when the two sons of widower and Korean War Veteran Walt Kowalski (Eastwood) are having a conversation during their mother’s funeral. It becomes very clear early in the scene that the conversation is horribly contrived, and that neither person involved can act.
Though one might optimistically hope that some of the newcomers to the big screen might actually have some acting ability, unfortunately it is only Eastwood that displays any thespian chops in this one hour and fifty-six minute outing, and he is saddled with a one-dimensional character.
The story surrounding Kowalski is full of holes, and plays out like a Karate Kid imitation where Eastwood is the mentor who teaches his young introverted neighbor how to be a man. Add in the fact that Kowalski is a loudmouth, curmudgeon bigot living in a Detroit neighborhood he no longer fits into, and counting his outrageous racial slurs becomes the only entertaining way to get through the film.
Obviously you cannot fault the other actors in the film for taking their respective roles, but the performances are so bad that they detract and distract from the film and make it virtually impossible to sit through.
You can fault screenwriter Nick Schenk for a predictable story that only contains a few turns, many of which make little sense, dialog that is horribly contrived, and the slight character development allotted to Eastwood’s Kowalski is without motivation.
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Article comments
1 - El Bicho
After seeing the trailers, I was afraid of this
2 - Tony C
My money's on Eastwood. Optimistically hope...sheesh
3 - Derek Fleek
I personally thought Eastwood gave a performance that should get an oscar nomination this year. But you are very right about the supporting cast.
4 - Tony
ACtually, the film has gotten great reviews. This is the first bad review of the film that I've read.
5 - fiscue
Maybe the reason the film received "great reviews" is because it is career suicide to go against Clint Eastwood. My guess is Hollywood will breathe a collective sigh of relief when this is in the rear view mirror.
6 - billy
thank you so much. i couldn'y agree more. this film was terrible. i left after the first 45 minutes. waste of my time. i hate the fac that everyone is making such a big deal and great reviews for this movie.
7 - Clarence Yu
This film was largely ignored by the award-giving bodies, but thankfully it opened at #1 on the first week of its wide release at the box office. And Monday, according to news reports, is the day that Oscar ballots are due. I hope that Eastwood gets a nomination for Actor, at least.
8 - Nora Jo
Thank you! Thank you! I came back from the movies, thinking why did this get great reviews? I found another blogger describe it as an 'afterschool special' which made sense to me in how flat & predictable the dialogue, plot, directing and acting came across. Sorry, Clint, this did not make my day.
9 - Amy
I totally enjoyed the movie, and would go see it again. everyone is talking about it, and would also go see it again.