Gran Torino is Clint Eastwood's first appearance in a lead actor role since Million Dollar Baby. Having caught the latter movie, I was having high expectations for Gran Torino; well, that, and the many positive reviews it got from critics.
Despite the title, the movie revolves less around the sweet vintage car than it does around Eastwood's self-discovery. As Walt Kowalski, he comes across as a bitter old man, both as a Korean War veteran as well as a father to his grown children. Living in a neighbourhood that's made up of a largely immigrant community, he naturally keeps to himself in his modest home, with his dog Daisy as his only companion.
The car is Walt's pride and joy, and does serve as a catalyst for the many turn of events in the film; such as when Thao tries unsuccessfully to steal it as part of his gang initiation, which brings his self to Walt's attention, thereby setting off the rest of the storyline.
It's an interestng theme, and Eastwood's still as badass as ever. But somehow, I still expected something more from this movie. Something; I just don't know what.
I'll continue my review of Confessions of a Shopaholic when I get back. Gotta run. =D
No, not physically. LOL
EDIT: Back, and typing.
So...here we go. We have Confessions of a Shopaholic, a film adapted from the Shopaholic series of novels by Sophie Kinsella.Okay, Imma just go surface level here. Very much a chick flick (no surprise if you've read the book), the movie leaves little to the imagination. Humorous moments are aplenty, especially with Isla Fisher as the neurotic shopaholic protagonist of the story, Rebecca Bloomwood.
As a character, Rebecca is definitely relatable. I mean, who hasn't had anything they were really passionate about and would pursue, no matter what the cost? But, like a couple of critics have said about this movie, it gives off somewhat mixed messages about (and I quote) "materialism and conspicuous consumption". So yeah.
Bleah, the ol' noggin's a little slow now.
