No. 11 (2019) The Mule. Feb 4th.

Film No. 11 (2019) Feb. 4th.  1.30PM  HOYTS MILLENIUM  Fremantle.

"Pecans, I'm delivering pecans to my niece; she makes the worst Pecan Pie I've ever tasted, I feel sorry for her husband." (Earl is pulled over by a state patrol officer and responds to the officer's question about his cargo).

How does Clint do what he does? He directs this engaging small tale and if that's not enough he plays the lead as well! The Mule has many similarities to Gran Torino (2008), only this time Clint (Earl Stone) has significant family ties and is less grumpy. The Mule is based on an article published in The New York Times relating to an octogenarian WW2 vet Leo Sharp after he was apprehended (2011) "muling" drugs across borders for the notorious Sinaloa Cartel. Screen-writer Nick Schenk (Gran Torino) has a great feel for Eastwood's more laconic, even improvisational ways. There are legitimate laugh out loud moments. Earl's attitude to family and the changes in that attitude as the film unfolds also gives The Mule a clear path to its conclusion. I had a great time with The Mule and so did the ever-green Eastwood. Clint just keeps on giving, he's not only a Hollywood legend, he is a living wonder !! 9GUMS.