Gran Torino

The CB's went to see Gran Torino with very low expectations. We were not expecting much, and we were totally surprised by how much we liked this movie. Clint Eastwood plays Walt Kowalski, an old geezer who is mad at the world and full of anger at the way his Detroit neighborhood has changed. He calls these newcomers to his city every racial slur imaginable- sometimes under his breath and sometimes right to their face. His character gradually changes after a young Hmong neighbor tries to steal his beloved Gran Torino, and they begin to get to know each other. Eastwood manages to give the audience a couple of 'wink-wink' moments when he channels Dirty Harry, but he has come a long way since those 'shoot 'em up', revenge-filled movie days. This is a thoughtful look at the way America is changing, and Eastwood does a wonderful job of directing and acting in this film. All the other roles are perfectly cast--one standout is the young actor (Christopher Carley) who plays a baby-faced Irish priest struggling to keep a promise he made to Walt's wife on her deathbed that he would convince Walt to take confession. The CB's recommend you see this one.