And even more remarkable, it has been 10 years since Clint appeared in "Gran Torino". He did famously announce that he was going to stay behind the camera several years ago, and has made some good films since, most notably "American Sniper" and "Sully".
For "The Mule" Clint has once again returned to acting taking the lead role as 'Earl' a 90 year old who loves growing flowers, and has fallen on hard times, and is presented with a unique way to make some easy money.
Early on we find out that whilst Earl has a great love for his prize winning flowers, he has rather neglected his Family. Whether it is spending days away from home whilst travelling or tending to his blooms, they feel they have been sidelined for his beloved flowers. He even fails to make it to his Daughter's wedding. Despite the great animosity this causes, his Grand-Daughter still loves him, and when it is her turn to get married some years later, Earl is keen to help out financially. Unfortunately for him, in those passing years, the internet has become the norm, and buying flowers from a person is seen as old hat, and Earl finds himself out of business, and at risk of losing his home. A chance encounter at a family party puts Earl in contact with some Mexicans looking for a courier. He turns up, his pick-up is loaded with "produce", he takes it to a set location, he waits around for a while, returns to his vehicle where the merchandise is gone, and he is a few thousand dollars better off. Earl is an ideal choice, as he has a clean driving license, and never even had a speeding ticket.
For Earl it is a one off, a means to an end. But it doesn't stop there, as more money is needed. The shipments get more regular, and get bigger in size.
The only thing for Earl is that he is a Courier working on behalf of a major Mexican drug Cartel, and he is transporting some of the finest cocaine on the market.But given his unique qualities, he becomes their most successful courier.
There are scenes where Earl is taken to Mexico to meet the Drug Lord who runs the Cartel. Would this really have happened? There is no indication that they ever met, as far as I am aware. This whole segment seems a little unnecessary, even more so given that ladies that are paraded for Earl's pleasure. I mean the man is 90. But he gets to meet the Boss, played by Andy Garcia, now he is the nice Drug Lord. But soon his depuities don't like his nicey nicey methods, so take matters in their own hands, and thus don't tolerate Earl's easy going methods, and put it in no uncertain terms what will happen to him unless he tows the line.
Will the Mexicans bring Earl's transporting to an abrupt end, or will the Authorities track down the mysterious Courier known as 'Tata'?
There is something deeply reassuring about seeing Clint Eastwood on the big screen. It has been far too long since he has been in front of the camera. But he is just so completely believable in the role, as we see a man, who has a passion for his flowers, but also is aware that it has cost him dearly, in the animosity from his family. A man who has realised too late where his priorities should have been.
There is good support from Dianne Wiest and Bradley Cooper. Unlike far too many of the new releases these days, the film is beautifully photographed and edited perfectly, nice long shots, no cut aways every half a second. It is a film made by a master craftsman.
Nice to have you back Clint, you've made my day.....8 out of 10
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