Gran Torino (Review)

What I knew going in:
Clint Eastwood is a old war veteran in a rapidly changing neighborhood and has to take on an Asian gang that has recently moved in nearby.

Hype:
Meh. I had heard through the grapevine that this was a good film, and I was ready to watch a grizzled old Vet whup some ass something fierce. I was ready for a Death Sentence, Punisher War Zone, Taken kind of beat down because let's face it: Growing up was there anyone more badass than Dirty Harry, Blondie (Good Bad Ugly), The Preacher Man (Pale Rider) or Bill Munny (Unforgiven)?

Opening Thoughts:
Dude, nobody can scowl or derisively grunt like Clint Eastwood. His general attitude here is reminding me of Nicholson's classic schitzo from As good as it Gets. If for no other reason, I am enjoying the lead up to the carnage through Clint's absolutely putrid vernacular. I think I might even have to take notes on the racial slurs - they're that good.

Bottom Line:
Wow. What I expected to be an action flick turns out to be a coming of age film for a young asian boy who needs to be taught how to be a man. My expectations couldn't have been more off, and I can't say that I have EVER been more pleasantly surprised. A human drama through and through, this character essay on the modern mature masculine is brilliantly written, acted, and directed. The world really needs more Wallys. Two !Q! Golden Gauntlet Stamps of Awesome in a row?? Has Hollywood FINALLY turned the corner to understand exactly what makes a story worth watching?? Stay Tuned....

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1205489/