Gran Torino (2009) Rank 5 Reviews

At the Movies (Australia) (David Stratton)

Gran Torino may prove to be one be one of Eastwood's best. ...read the complete Gran Torino movie review at At the Movies (Australia) (David Stratton)

Tri-City Herald (Gary Wolcott)

At 78 you still believe Clint Eastwood is a seriously dangerous man. I wouldn't want to fight him. Some say this is his best-ever performance. That's hard to argue. ...read the complete Gran Torino movie review at Tri-City Herald (Gary Wolcott)

Shadows on the Wall

As all of these textures and colours swirl around the driving force of Walt's will, the film really gets under our skin. ...read the complete Gran Torino movie review at Shadows on the Wall

crazedfanboy.com (Michael Smith)

Eastwood has said that, at age 78, this may be his last time in front of the camera. ...read the complete Gran Torino movie review at crazedfanboy.com (Michael Smith)

Daily Mail [UK] (Christopher Tookey)

This wise, likeable and extremely entertaining picture is a must-see. It is already the highest-grossing film in Eastwood's illustrious career. ...read the complete Gran Torino movie review at Daily Mail [UK] (Christopher Tookey)

News of the World (Robbie Collin)

It�s a monumentally great film and keeps you spellbound till the lights come back up again. ...read the complete Gran Torino movie review at News of the World (Robbie Collin)

Teletext (Victor Olliver)

The Eastwood legend is set against false sentiment, pot-pourried politics. There's no Disney in this Walt. ...read the complete Gran Torino movie review at Teletext (Victor Olliver)

Video-Reviewmaster.com (Steve Crum)

[As the] central character, senior citizen and anti-social Walt Kowalski, Eastwood gets to literally snarl dozens of times at life's tics and impositions... ...A beautifully realized film. ...read the complete Gran Torino movie review at Video-Reviewmaster.com (Steve Crum)

Gazette (MD) (Jeffrey Lyles)

they don't make movies like this anymore ...read the complete Gran Torino movie review at Gazette (MD) (Jeffrey Lyles)

Star-Democrat (Easton, MD) (Greg Maki)

... Starts as one thing, then becomes something else entirely. ...read the complete Gran Torino movie review at Star-Democrat (Easton, MD) (Greg Maki)

Fresno Bee (Donald Munro)

Swirls with a textured and tangled complexity that results in a series of intimate, emotional and jaw-dropping moments in cinema. ...read the complete Gran Torino movie review at Fresno Bee (Donald Munro)

Entertainment Spectrum (Keith Cohen)

Be sure to have tissues handy for an ending that is guaranteed to elicit sympathetic tears. ...read the complete Gran Torino movie review at Entertainment Spectrum (Keith Cohen)

Orlando Weekly

Where Gran Torino fails at social criticism, it succeeds at capturing an engrossing snapshot of the human saga. If it's Clint's last film, it's a perfect ending. ...read the complete Gran Torino movie review at Orlando Weekly

Combustible Celluloid

It makes me sad to think that this is the last we'll see of the great star/filmmaker onscreen, but this final achievement makes me want to applaud. ...read the complete Gran Torino movie review at Combustible Celluloid

Spirituality & Practice

The pleasure in watching this miracle take place is what makes Gran Torino one of the best films of the year! ...read the complete Gran Torino movie review at Spirituality & Practice

Paste Magazine

Since 2003 Director Clint Eastwood has had a late-career renaissance comparable perhaps only to Phillip Roth's in literature. ...read the complete Gran Torino movie review at Paste Magazine

Antagony & Ecstasy (Tim Brayton)

Look, not everyone is going to like Gran Torino. It's undeniably hokey. But all pulp fiction is ultimately a little hokey, and that's usually why the makers of such movies compensate by bringing their A-game behind the camera. ...read the complete Gran Torino movie review at Antagony & Ecstasy (Tim Brayton)

Cinema Blend

Gran Torino is a movie you must see. ...read the complete Gran Torino movie review at Cinema Blend

Susan Granger

Who would have thought that Dirty Harry would become not only one of Hollywood's most respected filmmakers but also one of its most compassionate humanists? ...read the complete Gran Torino movie review at Susan Granger

Entertainment Weekly

Gran Torino, though, grafts those signature late-career preoccupations onto a story that's got the energy of a gangly youth, right down to the naturalistic performances by the mostly nonprofessional Hmong cast. ...read the complete Gran Torino movie review at Entertainment Weekly

Bangor Daily News (Maine) (Christopher Smith)

For Eastwood, the movie is a slight, easy breeze to the end. But he's terrific in the role, the supporting cast is just as good, and as a result, the movie is well worth seeing. ...read the complete Gran Torino movie review at Bangor Daily News (Maine) (Christopher Smith)

jackiekcooper.com (Jackie K. Cooper)

It's pure Eastwood and that means it is grand entertainment ...read the complete Gran Torino movie review at jackiekcooper.com (Jackie K. Cooper)

Richard Roeper.com (Richard Roeper)

A brilliant commentary on a lot of earlier Clint Eastwood roles. ...read the complete Gran Torino movie review at Richard Roeper.com (Richard Roeper)

Oregonian (Shawn Levy)

[Eastwood] has framed his career in a new way. The youthful embrace of violence as entertainment has given way to a mature rue at the waste, pain and loss that even make-believe death entails. ...read the complete Gran Torino movie review at Oregonian (Shawn Levy)

Go Memphis (John Beifuss)

Its bluntness and sincerity -- and the undistracted momentum of its storytelling -- are like splashes of cold water in a face gone slack from a surfeit of irony and sophistication. ...read the complete Gran Torino movie review at Go Memphis (John Beifuss)

Apollo Guide

An ideal platform for writer/ director Clint Eastwood to show the world that, at 78 years of age, he's at the top of his game. ...read the complete Gran Torino movie review at Apollo Guide

The Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel

Eastwood's recent films have been a pleasure and a surprise, but "Gran Torino" in particular exudes a sense of renewal and promise. ...read the complete Gran Torino movie review at The Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel

Q Network Film Desk (James Kendrick)

Eastwood's dead-pan delivery is so familiar that it has its own built-in humor and draw, but it's all just set-up, which is precisely what makes the film such an intriguing trick ...read the complete Gran Torino movie review at Q Network Film Desk (James Kendrick)

Atlantic City Weekly (Lori Hoffman)

[Eastwood] seems to have inherited a quality most often seen in great European filmmakers %u2014 the ability to both age gracefully, and channel his life experience into his work. ...read the complete Gran Torino movie review at Atlantic City Weekly (Lori Hoffman)

Minneapolis Star Tribune (Colin Covert)

Eastwood's second film this year is a compelling study of anger and violence and the guilt and shame that shadow them. He has sat high in the saddle for decades, but rarely has he ridden so tall as in the driver's seat of Gran Torino. ...read the complete Gran Torino movie review at Minneapolis Star Tribune (Colin Covert)

Christianity Today

The first time I saw the trailer for this film in a theater, the audience laughed. It portrayed a senile, furrow-browed Clint Eastwood brandishing a gun and barking at Asian people to "get off my lawn. ...read the complete Gran Torino movie review at Christianity Today

Chicago Sun-Times (Roger Ebert)

I would like to grow up to be like Clint Eastwood. Eastwood the director, Eastwood the actor, Eastwood the invincible, Eastwood the old man. ...read the complete Gran Torino movie review at Chicago Sun-Times (Roger Ebert)

New York Post

IMAGINE an aged Dirty Harry squinting, waving his .44 Magnum at a bunch of kids and yelling "Get off my lawn!" That's a pretty good idea of Clint Eastwood's hugely entertaining indie-style dramedy "Gran Torino. ...read the complete Gran Torino movie review at New York Post

Worcester Telegram & Gazette (Daniel M. Kimmel)

It's interesting to note that [Eastwood's] still going strong at 78. What's even more interesting is that the last two decades includes some of the finest work of his career. ...read the complete Gran Torino movie review at Worcester Telegram & Gazette (Daniel M. Kimmel)

Advocate (Baton Rouge, LA) (John Wirt)

Another compelling story from an American master. ...read the complete Gran Torino movie review at Advocate (Baton Rouge, LA) (John Wirt)

The Aisle Seat

Gran Torino gets laughs when it wants to be funny, earns your empathy when it wants to be affecting, and makes you think when it speaks its mind. ...read the complete Gran Torino movie review at The Aisle Seat

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette

Eastwood can be ham-handed ... but he never allows moral instruction to dilute the entertainment value of his films. He loads his movies with ideas ... but is never ostentatious with his intelligence and deep themes. ...read the complete Gran Torino movie review at Arkansas Democrat-Gazette

Watertown Daily Times (Adam Tobias)

If Gran Torino is in fact the fat lady singing on Eastwood's acting career, I couldn't think of a more fitting way to say goodbye to one of Hollywood's most iconic and revered stars. ...read the complete Gran Torino movie review at Watertown Daily Times (Adam Tobias)

What Would Toto Watch?

Clint Eastwood's character in Gran Torino represents the culimination of the icon's screen career. ...read the complete Gran Torino movie review at What Would Toto Watch?

Rotton Tomatoes

Who would have thought that Dirty Harry would become not only one of Hollywood's most respected filmmakers but also one of its most compassionate humanists? At 78, Eastwood still commands the screen. ...read the complete Gran Torino movie review at Rotton Tomatoes

Illinois Times (Charles Koplinski)

Torino proves a grand exit for Eastwood. ...read the complete Gran Torino movie review at Illinois Times (Charles Koplinski)

jackiekcooper.com (Jackie K. Cooper)

It's pure Eastwood and that means it is grand entertainment. ...read the complete Gran Torino movie review at jackiekcooper.com (Jackie K. Cooper)

Cinema Crazed (Felix Vasquez Jr.)

Eastwood gives us a morbid take on righting wrongs in a world that lends no help to the victimized... ...read the complete Gran Torino movie review at Cinema Crazed (Felix Vasquez Jr.)

Houston Community Newspapers (Gary Brown)

If Gran Torino is Clint Eastwood's last acting gig, he's gone out in top form. ...read the complete Gran Torino movie review at Houston Community Newspapers (Gary Brown)

Kansas City Star

Maybe it's his no-nonsense style -- unaffected acting, matter-of-fact cinematography, the deft juggling of emotional opposites -- but Gran Torino seems to unfold effortlessly in the hands of a master. ...read the complete Gran Torino movie review at Kansas City Star

The Toronto Star

The toughest hombre at the bijou this holiday season makes gun gestures with his hands and has a steed that barely moves. ...read the complete Gran Torino movie review at The Toronto Star

The Arizona Republic

Gran Torino is an unlikely tale made plausible almost solely by the quality of Clint Eastwood's performance. ...read the complete Gran Torino movie review at The Arizona Republic

Rolling Stone

The no-frills, no-bull Gran Torino made my day. ...read the complete Gran Torino movie review at Rolling Stone

Apollo Guide (Brian Webster)

An ideal platform for writer/ director Clint Eastwood to show the world that, at 78 years of age, he's at the top of his game. ...read the complete Gran Torino movie review at Apollo Guide (Brian Webster)

EmanuelLevy.com

"Gran Torino" contains healthy humor, is much simpler in narrative structure, and much clearer in tone. I will not describe it as a downright crowd-pleaser but as mainstream entertainment, which might broaden its commercial appeal. ...read the complete Gran Torino movie review at EmanuelLevy.com

Philadelphia Weekly

Way back in the 1980s, long before Unforgiven provided a status upgrade to American film's most honored elder statesman, Clint Eastwood was a marginal figure in Hollywood, working at a remove from the studio system, knocking out cheap-and-dirty, low-bud ...read the complete Gran Torino movie review at Philadelphia Weekly

DC Examiner

Gran Torino is Clint Eastwood doing what Clint Eastwood does best. ...read the complete Gran Torino movie review at DC Examiner

Reeling Reviews

"Gran Torino" is a thoroughly satisfying, old-fashioned entertainment from one of our remaining American icons. As I sat and watched it, I couldn't help but mentally chant 'Cliiiinnnnnt.' There's no one like him. ...read the complete Gran Torino movie review at Reeling Reviews

Washington City Paper

Goes deeper than racial clashes and the opening of one bigot's eyes -- it's about letting go of your past, making the most of your present, accepting that the world now is not the world you grew up in. ...read the complete Gran Torino movie review at Washington City Paper

ReelTalk Movie Reviews

Clint Eastwood delivers a stunning performance as an angry old man who begins to question his negative opinion about his Hmong neighbors. ...read the complete Gran Torino movie review at ReelTalk Movie Reviews

BDK Reviews (Kevin McCarthy)

Anytime Clint Eastwood is drinking a beer, growling, killing people and just being a complete bad-ass, I am in! This character that Eastwood played in this film was very much like an older version of his character from The Good, The Bad and The Ugly, exce ...read the complete Gran Torino movie review at BDK Reviews (Kevin McCarthy)

Miami Herald

Walt Kowalski, the protagonist of Gran Torino, should be an impossible man to like. ...read the complete Gran Torino movie review at Miami Herald

Austin Chronicle (Marjorie Baumgarten)

Eastwood plans to go on making more movies, but it's doubtful any will be as satisfying a career culmination as Gran Torino. ...read the complete Gran Torino movie review at Austin Chronicle (Marjorie Baumgarten)

Rotten Tomatoes

Old guys teaching newbies the way of the land without political correctness. Now if we could just do this in the schools. ...read the complete Gran Torino movie review at Rotten Tomatoes

7M Pictures (Kevin Carr)

If you've had the grandfather from a different generation who didn't worry about being politically correct, you should find some familiarity with which you can identify. ...read the complete Gran Torino movie review at 7M Pictures (Kevin Carr)

ReelTalk (Frank Wilkins)

With his directorial duties and starring role in Gran Torino, Clint Eastwood reprises his tough-guy role we've all come to know and love so much. Only this time, his trusty steed is a Ford Gran Torino, his . ...read the complete Gran Torino movie review at ReelTalk (Frank Wilkins)

Boxoffice Magazine

Over the course of his fifty-year career, Clint Eastwood has pulled the nifty trick of embodying classic American film iconography-then lasting long enough to deconstruct those very same icons. ...read the complete Gran Torino movie review at Boxoffice Magazine

Jam! Movies

Despite the title, Gran Torino isn't really about cars. It is, however, a story about a special make and model -- one Walt Kowalski, a furious old curmudgeon. ...read the complete Gran Torino movie review at Jam! Movies

variagate.com

But see it. Don't be too critical. It will make your day. ...read the complete Gran Torino movie review at variagate.com

Hollywood.com

Although younger audiences may find the film's rhythms rather slow, the ultimate payoff is huge, and Clint fans are likely to eat it up. ...read the complete Gran Torino movie review at Hollywood.com

One Guy's Opinion

If you've ever wondered what Harry Callahan would look like in retirement, "Gran Torino" offers a fairly good idea. ...read the complete Gran Torino movie review at One Guy's Opinion

Empire Magazine (Angie Errigo)

Simply terrific, enormously watchable and an absolute must for all Eastwood fans. Gotta say it: this film will make your day. ...read the complete Gran Torino movie review at Empire Magazine (Angie Errigo)

Sunday Mail [UK] (Mickey McMonagle)

Overall this is a masterful piece of storytelling and a film which will rightly be regarded as a classic. Eastwood is on staggering form as an actor and equally inspiring as a director. ...read the complete Gran Torino movie review at Sunday Mail [UK] (Mickey McMonagle)

NYC Movie Guru (Avi Offer)

A well-acted, compelling and engrossing drama. ...read the complete Gran Torino movie review at NYC Movie Guru (Avi Offer)

ViewLondon (Matthew Turner)

Impressively directed, emotionally engaging drama with a strong script and a terrific performance from Clint Eastwood. ...read the complete Gran Torino movie review at ViewLondon (Matthew Turner)

Daily Mirror [UK] (David Edwards)

Gran Torino features a grand performance by one of the greatest ever movie stars - it's as if Dirty Harry had never been away... ...read the complete Gran Torino movie review at Daily Mirror [UK] (David Edwards)

Indie Movies Online (Kimberly Gadette)

Eastwood is perfect as a growling cur of a man attempting to keep humanity at arms' length. Yet he's lonely, concurrently playing games of 'keep away' and 'notice me.' ...read the complete Gran Torino movie review at Indie Movies Online (Kimberly Gadette)

Daily Telegraph (Australia) (Vicky Roach)

Gran Torino is to Dirty Harry what Unforgiven was to The Outlaw Josey Wales. ...read the complete Gran Torino movie review at Daily Telegraph (Australia) (Vicky Roach)

Sun Online ()

Clint decides to do both jobs and again shows he has a mature grasp of film-making. It is an uncomplicated movie which makes its point very clearly. ...read the complete Gran Torino movie review at Sun Online ()

thelondonpaper (Stuart McGurk)

The film, about ageing and mortality, racism and redemption, is one of Eastwood�s finest: tender, tragic and funny in equal measures. ...read the complete Gran Torino movie review at thelondonpaper (Stuart McGurk)

The Age (Australia) (Jake Wilson)

Interpreted by another director, Nick Schenk's script might have been merely a sentimental fable of a grinch redeemed. ...read the complete Gran Torino movie review at The Age (Australia) (Jake Wilson)

Sacramento Bee (Carla Meyer)

Gran Torino gives us an opportunity -- growing rarer each year -- to watch a national treasure for two hours. Make that a national treasure who continues, as a filmmaker, to challenge ideas about what it means to be an American. ...read the complete Gran Torino movie review at Sacramento Bee (Carla Meyer)

Richmond.com (Mike Ward)

Eastwood is funny this time around. Sure, the crumedgeon isn't taking bouncy balls to the crotch like some slapstick hack or dressing up as a dozen fat relatives at the dinner table like Eddie Murphy, but he made me laugh popping off ethnic barbs. ...read the complete Gran Torino movie review at Richmond.com (Mike Ward)

Denver Post

n "Gran Torino," the guy with the clutched heart is bigot Walt Kowalski, played with flinty reserve by Clint Eastwood in his first role since the 2004 Academy Award-winning "Million Dollar Baby. ...read the complete Gran Torino movie review at Denver Post

Detroit Free Press (John Monaghan)

Ultimately, Gran Torino is not recommended for its moralizing or its scenery, but for Eastwood's compelling performance. ...read the complete Gran Torino movie review at Detroit Free Press (John Monaghan)

Seattle Post-Intelligencer

Walt is a grizzled, gun-toting, 70-something retired autoworker and Korean War vet who proudly flies the flag in front of his well-kept Detroit bungalow and is so cranky and intimidating that, when displeased, he actually growls like a dog. ...read the complete Gran Torino movie review at Seattle Post-Intelligencer

ScreenDaily

Gran Torino is a plea for racial tolerance in the US but it is also a compelling story of friendship which lingers in the mind when the extravagances of Benjamin Button and Australia have faded from memory. ...read the complete Gran Torino movie review at ScreenDaily

Seattle Times

If you can get past this special pleading, "Gran Torino" has much to recommend it, not least of which is Eastwood's enjoyable and slyly self-deprecating performance. And the supporting cast holds their own every step of the way. ...read the complete Gran Torino movie review at Seattle Times

Mountain Xpress

If anyone-anyone but Clint Eastwood-had signed Gran Torino, it not only wouldn't be positioned for awards, it would be dismissed out of hand as ham-handed, clunky and, frankly, amateurish. ...read the complete Gran Torino movie review at Mountain Xpress

Washington Post [Ann Hornaday]

If you can survive the F-bombs and the near-constant ethnic invective, Gran Torino is not to be missed, if only as the gutsy, thoroughly unexpected valedictory of an icon fully willing to spend every bit of his considerable capital. ...read the complete Gran Torino movie review at Washington Post [Ann Hornaday]

Eric D. Snider

Though Eastwood the director is astonishingly active ("Gran Torino" is his second film of 2008, after "Changeling"), Eastwood the actor shows up infrequently these days. ...read the complete Gran Torino movie review at Eric D. Snider

Sean the Movie Guy (Sean McBride)

a mighty entertaining drama, anchored by a cantankerous-yet-appealing performance by Eastwood himself. ...read the complete Gran Torino movie review at Sean the Movie Guy (Sean McBride)

Cinematical

Its preoccupation with the burden and self-destructive ramifications of violence is given acute resonance by Eastwood's presence. ...read the complete Gran Torino movie review at Cinematical

Los Angeles Daily News

Clint Eastwood collects and distills everything we know he is capable of doing on screen -- some of which we might wish he hadn't done, but most of which we love. Even if we might be a little ashamed to admit it. ...read the complete Gran Torino movie review at Los Angeles Daily News

USA Today

Though you can see his character's redemption coming a mile away, Clint Eastwood's Gran Torino is still well worth the ride. ...read the complete Gran Torino movie review at USA Today

Variety

Highlighted by the star's vastly entertaining performance, this funny, broad but ultimately serious-minded drama about an old-timer driven to put things right in his deteriorating neighborhood looks to be a big audience-pleaser with mainstream viewers of ...read the complete Gran Torino movie review at Variety

ColeSmithey.com (Cole Smithey)

"Old man Dirty Harry" is one way to describe Clint Eastwood's miserable racist character Walt Kowalski in what the actor and director says will be his last film role. ...read the complete Gran Torino movie review at ColeSmithey.com (Cole Smithey)

LarsenOnFilm (Josh Larsen)

Awkward as a social drama - as if Eastwood had only lately seen Boyz N the Hood - yet as another one of his meditations on aging, the movie is on to something. ...read the complete Gran Torino movie review at LarsenOnFilm (Josh Larsen)

AskMen.com (David Nusair)

Clint Eastwood's steady directorial hand proves instrumental in smoothing over the few overtly ineffective elements within Nick Schenk's admittedly far-from-subtle screenplay. ...read the complete Gran Torino movie review at AskMen.com (David Nusair)

Creative Loafing (Matt Brunson)

It's not necessary to be familiar with Eastwood's career arc to enjoy Gran Torino, but it does amplify the appreciation for the manner in which the topic of violence is approached. ...read the complete Gran Torino movie review at Creative Loafing (Matt Brunson)

suite101.com

For many years now, Clint Eastwood's films have been looking backwards as a means of progression, utilizing tried-and-true means of classic Hollywood-style storytelling which, combined with a man of Eastwood's age and wisdom, have made for some particular ...read the complete Gran Torino movie review at suite101.com

New York Observer (Andrew Sarris)

The results of all these collaborations add up to a genuinely pioneering production very much worth seeing for the emotional thunderbolt that it is. ...read the complete Gran Torino movie review at New York Observer (Andrew Sarris)

Christian Science Monitor

This is among his lesser recent movies, which doesn't diminish its likability. In fact, it's pleasing to see Eastwood working the middle of the emotional register for a change. ...read the complete Gran Torino movie review at Christian Science Monitor

The Movie Boy

"Gran Torino," named after the irresistible classic car Walter owns, isn't always on sure footing-the movie's lessons about tolerance are portrayed with a sometimes unconvincing patness-but it is absorbing. ...read the complete Gran Torino movie review at The Movie Boy

E! Online

Gran Torino isn't Eastwood's best film, but it could definitely go down as his weirdest. The freedom to say and do as he likes after half a century in Hollywood is all up there on the screen. ...read the complete Gran Torino movie review at E! Online

Brian Orndorf

The finished film doesn't quite live up to Eastwood's typically magnetic screen conduct, but "Gran Torino" isn't concerned with a wide footprint. It's a minimal story of redemption, and a fairly successful one at that. ...read the complete Gran Torino movie review at Brian Orndorf

Waffle Movies

Gran Torino is good, but I can't figure out all of the Oscar hype. ...read the complete Gran Torino movie review at Waffle Movies

The Onion A.V. Club

As Eastwood heads toward a final showdown-framed with all the iconic weight such a moment has earned over the years-it starts telling a different sort of story, one about how times change, America changes with them, and not all those changes are for ...read the complete Gran Torino movie review at The Onion A.V. Club

Philadelphia Inquirer (Carrie Rickey)

I won't go so far as to say that Gran Torino, which struggles with Eastwood's eternal question of when - or whether - violence is justified, is art. ...read the complete Gran Torino movie review at Philadelphia Inquirer (Carrie Rickey)

LA Weekly

Above all, it feels like a summation of everything he represents as a filmmaker and a movie star, and perhaps also a farewell. "That," future generations of fathers will someday tell their sons, "is what Clint Eastwood was all about. ...read the complete Gran Torino movie review at LA Weekly

Reelviews

Gran Torino is an amazingly over-the-top anti-racism parable but, despite its obvious shortcomings, it is nevertheless effective and affecting. ...read the complete Gran Torino movie review at Reelviews

Reel Talk

Movies dealing with racism navigate tricky territory, and Gran Torino shows just how tricky it can be. ...read the complete Gran Torino movie review at Reel Talk

Laramie Movie Scope (Robert Roten)

He goes out as a hero. He can be forgiven if he goes out a little bit over the top. ...read the complete Gran Torino movie review at Laramie Movie Scope (Robert Roten)

Bryant Frazer's Deep Focus (Bryant Frazer)

The genius of Clint Eastwood is evident in the fact that nobody else could get away with this. ...read the complete Gran Torino movie review at Bryant Frazer's Deep Focus (Bryant Frazer)

DVDTown.com (John J. Puccio)

Clint Eastwood has become one of Hollywood's best and most dependable filmmakers. ...read the complete Gran Torino movie review at DVDTown.com (John J. Puccio)

Los Angeles Times (Kenneth Turan)

It is familiar, but only to a point. Suddenly, that point is past and much more serious questions come up, questions of responsibility, of vengeance, of the efficacy of blood for blood. ...read the complete Gran Torino movie review at Los Angeles Times (Kenneth Turan)

Metromix.com (Matt Pais)

Nobody growls like Clint growls, yet "Gran Torino" becomes a remarkably sweet movie considering half of it is the big man groaning and barking bigoted comments. ...read the complete Gran Torino movie review at Metromix.com (Matt Pais)

LA City Beat

Just seven weeks after Changeling, Clint Eastwood is releasing his second directorial outing of the year. ...read the complete Gran Torino movie review at LA City Beat

SpoutBlog (Karina Longworth)

Of Clint Eastwood's two 2008 directorial efforts, Gran Torino is by far the "better" film, in that it's the picture that's vastly more entertaining and much less clumsy in execution -- although up against the monumentally ill-conceived Chang ...read the complete Gran Torino movie review at SpoutBlog (Karina Longworth)

Ozus' World Movie Reviews (Dennis Schwartz)

Modestly gripping topical urban drama. ...read the complete Gran Torino movie review at Ozus' World Movie Reviews (Dennis Schwartz)

Colorado Springs Gazette (Brandon Fibbs)

Gran Torino was the biggest and most pleasant surprise of 2008. ...read the complete Gran Torino movie review at Colorado Springs Gazette (Brandon Fibbs)

My San Antonio

"Gran Torino" is a haunting drive through daunting territory. In addition, it should remind us that elders have lives and stories to tell just like young up-and-comers. ...read the complete Gran Torino movie review at My San Antonio

Film Journal International

The film proceeds from set-piece to set-piece: Kowalski rescues Thao's sister, Sue (Ahney Her), from punks on the corner, only to have her teach him a thing or two about Asian history (Walt fought in the Korean War); he takes Thao to the local barbersho ...read the complete Gran Torino movie review at Film Journal International

Salon (Stephanie Zacharek)

"Gran Torino," whatever its flaws are, is a movie about what America looks like now, and it posits that the work of living amicably together is sometimes hard but always worth it. ...read the complete Gran Torino movie review at Salon (Stephanie Zacharek)

Linda Cook

It's a straight-forward, well-deserved tribute to Eastwood, and a subtle tribute to The Duke. ...read the complete Gran Torino movie review at Linda Cook

newsreview.com

Korean War vet, retired autoworker, widower, ornery racist coot. ...read the complete Gran Torino movie review at newsreview.com

The Hollywood Reporter

Clint Eastwood delivers one of his rare comic performances in a film that otherwise doesn't measure up to his recent outstanding works. ...read the complete Gran Torino movie review at The Hollywood Reporter

Comingsoon.net

A decent script and a buoyant performance by Eastwood is often marred by some of the weaker performances around him, and the erratic nature created by the movie's inability to decide whether it should be funny or meaningful. ...read the complete Gran Torino movie review at Comingsoon.net

Time Out (Geoff Andrew)

The comedy-drama on release is actually a rather wise, insightful exploration of family and friendship, violence and vengeance. ...read the complete Gran Torino movie review at Time Out (Geoff Andrew)

NewsBlaze (Kam Williams)

Eastwood takes audiences on a wild metaphorical ride with Gran Torino, as Dirty Harry looks set to clean up his act. Or is he he? Clint playfully keeps audiences guessing and on their toes, for the delightful duration. ...read the complete Gran Torino movie review at NewsBlaze (Kam Williams)

eFilm Critic

It's funny how nobody really seems to be in "Gran Torino" except Clint Eastwood. ...read the complete Gran Torino movie review at eFilm Critic

Newsday

In the end, "Gran Torino" can't quite decide what to be - a family film punctuated by violence and profanity? - but Eastwood's charisma goes a long way toward holding it together. ...read the complete Gran Torino movie review at Newsday

Boston Globe

In the context of Clint Eastwood's career as a star, an actor, and a filmmaker, "Gran Torino" is an endlessly fascinating movie. If only it were a good one. ...read the complete Gran Torino movie review at Boston Globe

Orlando Sentinel

The racist, homophobic Dirty Harry Callahan has retired in Detroit. Sgt. Highway of Heartbreak Ridge may not wear his stripes, but he still keeps his rifle loaded. ...read the complete Gran Torino movie review at Orlando Sentinel

Associated Press (Christy Lemire)

"Gran Torino" becomes more intriguing as the journey its takes us on evolves and grows darker, albeit with Eastwood's trademark, no-nonsense aesthetic. ...read the complete Gran Torino movie review at Associated Press (Christy Lemire)

Slant Magazine

If Gran Torino's climactic showdown is the erstwhile Dirty Harry's last as a leading man, conducted with a strategy at the polar opposite from the Man with No Name's, it's a final lament that the way of the gun is a guarantor of self-destructive pain. ...read the complete Gran Torino movie review at Slant Magazine

Houston Chronicle (Amy Biancolli)

Gran Torino is the most obvious and least interesting of the four movies [Eastwood's] directed in the last two years. ...read the complete Gran Torino movie review at Houston Chronicle (Amy Biancolli)

BrandonFibbs.com (Brandon Fibbs)

Gran Torino was the biggest and most pleasant surprise of 2008, a film which, based on the trailer, I was not expecting to like at all. ...read the complete Gran Torino movie review at BrandonFibbs.com (Brandon Fibbs)

The Scorecard Review (Jeff Bayer)

It's a well-crafted character, stuck in a bad movie, which is a back-handed compliment considering Eastwood produced and directed as well. Now it's time for a PBR and a cigarette. Man, Walt is influential. ...read the complete Gran Torino movie review at The Scorecard Review (Jeff Bayer)

Tony Medley

As Clint Eastwood has aged, he has gotten progressively enamored with death. "Million Dollar Baby" was his homage to giving up and ended in an Eastwood-approved suicide. ...read the complete Gran Torino movie review at Tony Medley

Montreal Film Journal

In short, Eastwood's latest is flawed at best, managing to make "Crash" look like "Do the Right Thing". ...read the complete Gran Torino movie review at Montreal Film Journal

San Francisco Chronicle

Clint Eastwood knows better than anyone else his meaning as an actor and his effect on audiences, so it's hard to believe he could direct "Gran Torino" without knowing how funny it is. ...read the complete Gran Torino movie review at San Francisco Chronicle

Tulsa World (Michael Smith)

Eastwood grunts, snarls, curses and gives young punks the stink-eye with precision, playing his most racist character ever for entertainment and comic purposes. ...read the complete Gran Torino movie review at Tulsa World (Michael Smith)

New York Press

To insist that Eastwood's trite, B-movie storytelling is classical requires an excessive regard for junk. ...read the complete Gran Torino movie review at New York Press

Deseret News, Salt Lake City

Still, the strong, often unpleasant or upsetting language leaves an aftertaste to this character drama. It might have the best of intentions, but it's definitely not an easy movie to watch - even when the tone grows a bit lighter. ...read the complete Gran Torino movie review at Deseret News, Salt Lake City

NY Daily News

The blunt truth about Clint Eastwood's "Gran Torino" is that it shouldn't work: The script is often heavy-handed, the supporting performances tend toward the awkward, and the direction falls well short of Eastwood's subtler work ...read the complete Gran Torino movie review at NY Daily News

MSNBC

"Gran Torino" is mostly a hoot, thanks to Eastwood's Archie-Bunker-with-a-gun performance. ...read the complete Gran Torino movie review at MSNBC

Window to the Movies (Jeffrey Chen)

Tricky territory, but surprisingly the whole thing comes off as disarming. ...read the complete Gran Torino movie review at Window to the Movies (Jeffrey Chen)

Sacramento News & Review (Jonathan Kiefer)

To be the perfectly career-summarizing Eastwood movie, Gran Torino needn�t be perfect. ...read the complete Gran Torino movie review at Sacramento News & Review (Jonathan Kiefer)

Total Film (Jonathan Crocker)

It�s a movie for Eastwood fans. Which should mean it�s a movie for you. ...read the complete Gran Torino movie review at Total Film (Jonathan Crocker)

Digital Spy (Stella Papamichael)

If Eastwood and newbie writer Nick Schenck hadn't lost their nerve and fallen back on Hollywood convention at the last moment, the story might have hit home with greater force. ...read the complete Gran Torino movie review at Digital Spy (Stella Papamichael)

Times [UK] (James Christopher)

What the film aches for is a challenge worthy of the monster Eastwood effortlessly inhabits. ...read the complete Gran Torino movie review at Times [UK] (James Christopher)

Independent (Anthony Quinn)

In a way it's quite touching that Eastwood still believes a man is never too old to change. One only wishes that Gran Torino were a little more subtle and a little less earnest in its operations. ...read the complete Gran Torino movie review at Independent (Anthony Quinn)

Sunday Times (UK) (Cosmo Landesman)

Seeing the new inclusive Clint shows an old dog can learn new tricks. But like Walt himself, I can�t help but prefer Dirty Harry to Caring Clint any day. ...read the complete Gran Torino movie review at Sunday Times (UK) (Cosmo Landesman)

Guardian [UK] (Peter Bradshaw)

This is still an enjoyably big, brash, macho melodrama, saved from absurdity by Eastwood's cracking performance. ...read the complete Gran Torino movie review at Guardian [UK] (Peter Bradshaw)

Philadelphia Daily News

"Gran Torino" has moved many critics to say it's the best Clint Eastwood performance they've seen. If that's the case, then I think they may have missed a lot of Eastwood movies, including a few that featured an orangutan. ...read the complete Gran Torino movie review at Philadelphia Daily News

Detroit News

Walt Kowalski is pretty much done. His wife has just passed away; his sons are suburban strangers; his grandkids are spoiled brats. ...read the complete Gran Torino movie review at Detroit News

The New York Times

Twice in the last decade, just as the holiday movie season has begun to sag under the weight of its own bloat, full of noise and nonsense signifying nothing, Clint Eastwood has slipped another film into theaters and shown everyone how it's done. ...read the complete Gran Torino movie review at The New York Times

I.E. Weekly (Amy Nicholson)

There are only two things to compliment about Gran Torino: It's not as dull as The Changeling and it's a great thesaurus for racists looking to expand their anti-Asian vocabulary past "gook. ...read the complete Gran Torino movie review at I.E. Weekly (Amy Nicholson)

Time Out New York

Meanwhile, no summation work can improve on Unforgiven; maybe Eastwood can now go back to impressing us. ...read the complete Gran Torino movie review at Time Out New York

Charlotte Observer (Lawrence Toppman)

Alas, the preposterous ending fritters away much of the goodwill the film has slowly gained. ...read the complete Gran Torino movie review at Charlotte Observer (Lawrence Toppman)

CompuServe (Harvey Karten)

Everything about the film is predictable. We can almost pinpoint the exact time that comedy would give way to melodrama. ...read the complete Gran Torino movie review at CompuServe (Harvey Karten)

Groucho Reviews

Ham-handed...makes Afterschool Specials look like Ibsen. ...read the complete Gran Torino movie review at Groucho Reviews

Creative Loafing

Clint Eastwood steps back, no make that bangs back in front of the camera for one hell of a role. Eastwood stars as Walt Kowalski in "Gran Torino", who is a recent widower that seems angry at the World. ...read the complete Gran Torino movie review at Creative Loafing

The Globe and Mail

By the time it jolts to an ending, followed by Clint rasping a tune to the closing credits, you're more likely to be rolling your eyes than dabbing them. ...read the complete Gran Torino movie review at The Globe and Mail

Arizona Daily Star (Phil Villarreal)

The new film, about a bigoted widower who's all but given up on the modern world, is a sterling back-to-basics, intimate character study. ...read the complete Gran Torino movie review at Arizona Daily Star (Phil Villarreal)

New York Magazine

To think Gran Torino is a masterpiece, you have to accept the contrived setups and sledgehammer melodrama. ...read the complete Gran Torino movie review at New York Magazine

Chicago Tribune (Michael Phillips)

If Clint Eastwood wins his first Academy Award for acting come February, besting Sean Penn for "Milk" and Mickey Rourke for "The Wrestler" among other probable nominees, it'll be like 1971 all over again, the year Helen Hayes snagged a supporting actress ...read the complete Gran Torino movie review at Chicago Tribune (Michael Phillips)

FilmsInReview.com (Victoria Alexander)

Clint Eastwood, who stars and directed "Gran Torino", looks much more realistic as an old man than he does in real life. ...read the complete Gran Torino movie review at FilmsInReview.com (Victoria Alexander)

Globe and Mail (Liam Lacey)

By the time it jolts to an ending, followed by Clint rasping a tune to the closing credits, you're more likely to be rolling your eyes than dabbing them. ...read the complete Gran Torino movie review at Globe and Mail (Liam Lacey)

Sydney Morning Herald (Sandra Hall)

With his shamelessly overblown ending, Eastwood reveals a taste for something he's never served up before -- corn. ...read the complete Gran Torino movie review at Sydney Morning Herald (Sandra Hall)

Cinema Writer (Jay Antani)

Gran Torino is a smorgasbord of Eastwood's skills as filmmaker -- the good, the bad, and the ugly -- and how you well you digest it will depend on your appetite. ...read the complete Gran Torino movie review at Cinema Writer (Jay Antani)

Compuserve (Harvey S. Karten)

Eastwood's character acts as mentor to a vulnerable youth just as he did in 'Million Dollar Baby,' but this vehicle is filled with silly, old-fashioned dialogue. ...read the complete Gran Torino movie review at Compuserve (Harvey S. Karten)

Spectrum (St. George, Utah) (Bruce Bennett)

The uninspired screenplay and all too obvious cast of novices make the film feel more like charity work on the part of its engaging director and star. ...read the complete Gran Torino movie review at Spectrum (St. George, Utah) (Bruce Bennett)

About.com Hollywood Movies (Rebecca Murray)

An okay film that has a few moments of brilliance but for the most part is a mediocre drama. ...read the complete Gran Torino movie review at About.com Hollywood Movies (Rebecca Murray)

eFilmCritic

History will have few bad words to say about Clint Eastwood. The iconic actor responsible for some of the most memorable screen characters by name or no name turned into one of the most respected and honored directors of our time. ...read the complete Gran Torino movie review at eFilmCritic

Palo Alto Weekly (Jeanne Aufmuth)

Climax is an overindulgent grasp at something meaningful that misses by a country mile. ...read the complete Gran Torino movie review at Palo Alto Weekly (Jeanne Aufmuth)

Baltimore Sun (Michael Sragow)

Gran Torino is far, far from Eastwood's best. But he gets to leave his die-hard fans clapping and crying. For the rest of us, it's so thoroughly mediocre it operates like a potent soporific. ...read the complete Gran Torino movie review at Baltimore Sun (Michael Sragow)

Movie Retriever (Brian Tallerico)

Maybe I'm overreacting because of the praise and awards surrounding Eastwood's work. He's certainly not bad in the film and there's nothing "wrong" with doing a career commentary at his age. ...read the complete Gran Torino movie review at Movie Retriever (Brian Tallerico)

Palo Alto Weekly

Clint Eastwood lays a goose egg with this uncharacteristically dreary drama about the limits of respect and tolerance. ...read the complete Gran Torino movie review at Palo Alto Weekly

Chicago Reader (J.R. Jones)

Like Woody Allen, Clint Eastwood has reached the point where his movies are better when he's not in them. ...read the complete Gran Torino movie review at Chicago Reader (J.R. Jones)

Michael Dequina, Mr. Brown's Movie Site

For a while, it looks like Clint Eastwood has slickly pulled off a fast one, passing off as awards bait what is a hilarious, double-edged parody: that of his iconic macho screen image, and a send-up of the constant jokes these days about his advanced age. ...read the complete Gran Torino movie review at Michael Dequina, Mr. Brown's Movie Site

filmcritic.com

And in return, Clint squints. It's pretty much his lone response through much of Torino, until the credits, when he sings the film's theme song. That's when you'll wince. ...read the complete Gran Torino movie review at filmcritic.com

NewsBlaze (Kam Williams)

Gran Torino is recommended only if you want to see Clint Eastwood uttering a profusion of offensive and profane language, like a senile old coot suffering from adult onset Tourette's Syndrome. ...read the complete Gran Torino movie review at NewsBlaze (Kam Williams)

Twin Cities Pioneer Press (Chris Hewitt)

Clint Eastwood...gives the hammiest performance of his career. ...read the complete Gran Torino movie review at Twin Cities Pioneer Press (Chris Hewitt)

FlickFilosopher.com

Oh my god, it's finally happened: Someone made Hey You Kids Get Off My Lawn: The Motion Picture. It's a Moving(TM) and Poignant(TM) tale of a crotchety old man who learns the true meaning of something or other. Could be neighborliness. ...read the complete Gran Torino movie review at FlickFilosopher.com

St. Paul Pioneer Press (Chris Hewitt (St. Paul))

Clint Eastwood...gives the hammiest performance of his career. ...read the complete Gran Torino movie review at St. Paul Pioneer Press (Chris Hewitt (St. Paul))

eFilm Critic

Ever since it was announced earlier this year that Clint Eastwood would both direct and star (his first turn before the cameras since 2004's "Million Dollar Baby") in a mysterious new project titled "Gran Torino," it has inspired any number of q ...read the complete Gran Torino movie review at eFilm Critic

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