Not the comeback I was expecting, but a blast nonetheless - 7/10

Performances: 5/10
Screenplay: 6/10
Costumes/Makeup: 7/10
Editing: 6/10
Cinematography: 6/10
Score/Soundtrack: 7/10

 

Verdict: Words cannot describe the impact Clint Eastwood is leaving in the movie industry. Known for playing the man with no name in Sergio Leone's iconic westerns in the 1960s, he found even more success behind the camera in the 1990s and 2000s, directing films such as "Unforgiven", "Million Dollar Baby", or "Gran Torino". And even though his last few projects didn't live up to his past work, I'm always interested to see what the 88-year-old legend has in store.

In "The Mule", and for the first time in 6 years, he acts as both star and director of the film. And while I wouldn't exactly consider the movie to be the comeback I was expecting, I still had a blast with it. Not because of the story told. In fact, I found the narrative to be cheesy at times, uninteresting whenever it cut to Bradley Cooper's arc, poorly acted, and not entirely original or memorable. What actually sold the film for me was Clint Eastwood, who basically played himself. Eastwood plays Earl, a grumpy, technology-hating, offensive, girl-chasing mule in charge of delivering drugs for the Mexican cartel, and it was glorious. The man knows that he can get away with anything he does given his status and takes advantage of it beautifully. I was laughing or smiling every time he appeared on screen, and found myself caring for his character, which made the ending of the film an emotionally effective one.
I'd definitely recommend this movie to any fan of the man whose name will never be forgotten by now. And while I admit that people who go in expecting an interesting story might come out disappointed, I for one left the theater with a big smile on my face.

 

 

FINAL GRADE: 7/10