'Gran Torino' a solid end to Eastwood acting career

Cert: 15

This is rumoured to be Clint’s last picture as an actor, though he will, of course, continue to direct.

If it is to be his swansong it won’t register as one of his best, though it’s not a complete flop since nothing he appears in has ever been forgettable.

He plays a grumpy, racist war vet, Walt Kowalski, whose great love is his 1972 Torino.

He’s so grouchy it’s no wonder he has only a car to get close to, until he meets a neighbourhood kid Thao (played with little conviction by Vang) who he tries to instill into some values about hard work and making something of his life, while trying to fend off the advances of the boy’s cousin who wants to recruit him to the local gang.

It’s a film overladen with messages about decency and living a better life but, of course, Eastwood sails through it with no bother at all for, if true, a solid enough bow-out.

Star Rating: 3/5