‘Gran Torino’ the best flick of ‘08???
If I wasn’t already sitting in a hospital waiting room when I received a text from Rob proclaiming “Gran Torino” as the best film of 2008, I might have voluntarily checked myself in. Now, I trust Rob’s opinions when it comes to movies about as much as I trust Chicago’s very own Roger Ebert. I don’t always agree with either of them, but I do respect their viewpoints. So imagine my surprise upon reading this strong declaration of the film’s merits. No doubt, “Gran Torino” is entertaining. Eastwood taking on the persona of a gruff hard-ass is always worth the price of admission and, at its core, the movie employs touching moments. But, and this is a big but, the acting leaves little to be desired. Even Eastwood overplays his lean, mean Archie Bunker-prototype to the hilt.
The Academy Award-nominations left out many deserving candidates this year (hello “Dark Knight“), but thankfully they got it right when failing to acknowledge “Gran Torino in any major categories.
I’d like to say more, but I’m anxiously awaiting Rob’s explanation as to why this movie surpasses the likes of, say, “The Wrestler.”
Shock Treatment
by Rob Fagin
I’d like, first, to say that putting my friend and colleague Janine in the hospital was the last intention I had by sending out the text in question – though I MIGHT have to admit that I MIGHT have hoped for a little bit of a shock. Maybe. I had heard Josh and Janine talking over what they considered the low points of Eastwood’s flick before I saw it, and once I did, I couldn’t resist an immediate text to them that would no doubt reward me with some reaction. Also, the word “best” was never a part of the text. I was framed. What I said was…”Just say Gran Torino. Favorite movie of 2008.” Read my post and I’ll try to explain.