Review of Gran Torino (2008) by Bryce E — 24 Oct 2018

The 2008 Warner Brothers film starring Clint Eastwood is a considerably mediocre film. Gran Torino is a movie displaying gang violence, because it takes place in a gang-ridden neighborhood. The rest of the actor's poor acting skills overshadow Eastwood's great acting.

Walt (Clint Eastwood) is a person who seems to strongly dislike his family because they tend to use him to attempt to get football tickets and even inherit his classic Gran Torino that he got when working at a Ford plant.

His granddaughter even goes as far to ask him what he will do with it after he passes away. Walt used to live in a clean, kept up town, but since times have changed the town isn't as appealing as it used to be.

Hmong people have moved around him and brought a gang with them. The gang leads to Thao (Bee Vang) to get in trouble with Walt by making him attempt to steal his car. This is unusual for the boy and eventually pays Walt back by doing odd jobs around the neighborhood for him.

Walt sees who the boy really is and takes him under his wing. He gets Thao a job, and even try's to protect him from the gang. Eastwood does a great job acting, but his acting counterparts bring the movie down.

The young actors are sometimes cringe worthy along with the directing. Eastwood's directing seems questionable. In one scene the neighbors invite him to a party, and Walt actually goes. This seems very out of character for Walt, and should've had the neighbors beg him more instead of just telling him there is beer.

Which is all they needed to get him over. Gran Torino portrays a great story, but sadly is brought down by some shabby acting.