GRAN TORINO - a must-see!!

[CapnHook]

Posted: 1/11/09 at 12:57am

I'm surprised there isn't a thread on this film already.

Just got back from it and was taken aback. I wasn't expecting to see what I saw. The acting, the direction, the screenplay, the story were all so well executed. Just terrific!

It's my #2 film of 2008, behind SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE (without having seen RACHEL GETTING MARRIED, REVOLUTIONARY ROAD, THE READER, or THE WRESTLER).

[Cruel_Sandwich]

Posted: 1/11/09 at 1:00am

GRAN TORINO was great but I liked it way way way way way better than SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE.

[ShbrtAlley44]

Posted: 1/11/09 at 1:14am

I must respectfully disagree. I thought it was well-made, but painfully cliche. The screenplay was rather clunky also - Eastwood alone in the bathroom saying to himself, "I can't believe I have more in common with these g*oks than with my own family"? And that opening scene with the over-the-top hideous family and the two sons discussing how "nothing makes Dad happy," you know, so we get that Eastwood doesn't particularly like them? The scene with the thugs harrassing Sue looked like bad community theatre on film. Anyway, glad you guys enjoyed it; it just wasn't my cup of tea.
Updated On: 1/11/09 at 01:14 AM

[romantico]

Posted: 1/11/09 at 10:19am

Gran Torino reminded me of The Shootist. Still, I liked it very much. I keep hearing that Clint has said this is his last film as an actor and if true, he is going out on a high note. He was great in the role, but the film is perfect. Simple,beautifully acted and shot and the song he wrote and sings at the end is great. I think this film should be up for a lot of awards and Clint had better get a Best Actor nomination.

[HellsBells2]

Posted: 1/11/09 at 10:27am

I'm so happy to hear these good reviews. I have to say, I was cringing at the thought of seeing a disaster. You know......someone trying to stay at the party too long.

I now feel safe to see this film.

[kooky]

Posted: 1/11/09 at 12:47pm

Being a huge Clint fan, I just flipped over this film .... it was just like pure vintage
Eastwood. See it if you love him ... you won't be disappointed.

[pushdabutton]

Posted: 1/11/09 at 8:53pm

I agree with everything you said CapnHook! I also have Slumdog Millionare as my #1 movie of the year. I have seen The Reader, Revolutionary Road, Milk, Doubt and Frost/Nixon. Grand Torino was a pleasant surprise for me. I thought I had seen everything worthwhile in the trailer but was I wrong. I like the fact that it did not shy away from or sugarcoat the fact that even though we have progressed, racism still exists in our country. Clint Eastwood is at his finest. I highly recommend seeing this film.