Movie Man Darian Watching All Night Long

The Mule 

A well directed and acted film from the legendary Mr Clint Eastwood! This film is flawed and has a very predictable ending but it’s the central performance given masterfully by Eastwood that really drives the film and keeps you invested and engaged to the end. 

Firstly, This film is not bad but just has some problems that could of been fixed with the predictable outcome as well as the pacing at times did feel slow as this film is a slow burn and not a fast paced thriller so at times it could really of benefited from trimming some scenes or adjusting it as it would go from a tense moment to a slow emotional moment and then high then low and it just never really was able to have a coherent pace that worked at least for me. 

Secondly, The film has a great cast that sadly never is fully used to its potential. This film includes Lawrence Fishburne, Bradley Cooper and Micheal Pena who all play interesting parts in the film but feel underused and not fully fleshed out which is disappointing because I did want to know about these characters the film could of trimmed some of the smaller moments off in exchange for more character building moments for the supporting cast involved to showcase them more so us the audience can feel more invested in their journey and character as when it came to the end of the film I didn’t know much about them so that was underwhelming. 

The film dose though do a fantastic job at showcasing a valuable message driven well which is always put family first period. And Clint shows the consequences of putting work first can have on a person as he gets shunned from his family and very isolated and alone and it’s heartbreaking to witness but brutally real that comes across very well in a way that dose not feel preachy. But rather a tone set by Clint for the film that is done in a very well done way. 

Lastly, It brought me a grin to my face to see Clint back in front of the camera showing people he still can command the scene in his great onscreen presence and performance. His work here is what really made the film enjoyable for me as the film falters due to its pace and not using its cast to its full potential but even with its flaws it’s still a enjoyable watch to be had I do recommend people check this film out. 

This film is based on a true story of a father who shunned his family and in return they shunned him later in his life and he becomes a Mule for the cartel 

Rated R : for language throughout and brief sexuality/nudity

Clint Eastwood : Eastwood reminds people why he is a legend with a masterful return to the screen. Eastwood plays a father that was never their for his family and becomes disowned by his family and becomes incredibly lonely and Eastwood brings this man’s story to the screen with a scene stealing lead performance that shows Eastwood’s terrific range. Eastwood doesn’t play the character over the top with emotions but he also isn’t to quiet either he brings this approach to the man that is heartbreaking and he really shows the layers of this man who had good intentions but was never their and results in doing a bad career choice later in his life. He shows such vulnerability with his eyes and fierce sharpness with his dialogue delivery he could be very subtle and kind hearted and then just be on the brink of tears and just pour his heart out in a scene without expressing to much but dose it in such a delicate and real way that comes across so genuine. He captures your attention the moment he’s onscreen with his electric charismatic energy and sparkle in his eye Clint pulls back the layers of this man and shows him for what he was and the emotional pains he felt as well and Eastwood brings it to life in great high energy moment giving great energy but then could do the smaller moments do well too. He’s so emotive with his eyes he can tell so much without even talking when he’s panicked or sad he has a way of showing it through amazingly well at times without saying a word but being so expressive with his body language and eyes. he gives such a layered and emotionally complex performance that works so well. When he speaks you believe him Eastwood delivers a weight and honesty when he speaks that makes you really feel for him and Clint brings another truly terrific performance to the screen it was great seeing him back on the big screen and if this is his last performance hopefully not but if so then it was a great last performance to go out on as Eastwood showcases a brilliantly well captured performance that feels brutally real and full of emotion overall Eastwood is captivating from start to finish. 

Clint Eastwood : Eastwood gives a well directed picture! This isn’t the first time we’ve seen Clint directed recently he has been directing with work on American Sniper and Jersey Boys Eastwood has been working just behind the camera and not in front of it. This is the first time he’s been onscreen since trouble with the curve and delivers such great direction to a poorly written script. He brings great tension to the screen with the shockingly true story and having a great supporting cast sadly their not fully fleshed out but he brings great style and direction to the screen capturing a emotionally driven film with a tense plot line. Clint has the big action aspect he touches on but it’s the family dynamic story he really centres the film on and in many ways is a redemption story of a man trying to fix things and try and do right for all the years he wasn’t their. Eastwood shows it in such a brutally real and honest way on the screen. He captures the great big moments full of tension so well and then can have these smaller more intimate moments that feel touching and very emotional. Clint reminds people he’s s force behind the camera that can do great storytelling even if the story isn’t fully and properly structured it’s Eastwood’s grounded and great direction with his Marvelous style that keeps you engaged and watching to the end. Clint once again gives good direction here with great style.