You’ve got a friend in me.

You’ve got a friend in me
Just had an opportunity to go see Clint Eastwood’s Grand Torino movie one more time.  And I’ve got to say once again…That is one great movie.  Clint Eastwood really shines in this movie.  And I’m sorry to see that he didn’t get an Oscar nod for this movie, at least I don’t think he did.  But at least Clint Eastwood was recognized in Changling with Angelina Jolie.  I didn’t see the movie, but if Clint was involved in it.  I’m sure it was good. 

When the road looks rough ahead
I am happy with the actual Oscar winners especially Slumdog Millionaire and the Curious Case of Benjamin Button.  Both movies, I really loved their message.  But you know I REALLY liked the message in Grand Torino as well.  Now there is a powerful message for our time.  I loved the ending, where the main character figured out a way to fix the problem with the gang ruling the neighborhood and it involved laying down his life for his friends.  That is a good message. 

And you’re miles and miles
And you know, we’re in such a state right now in our country.  And these times call for sacrifice.  Sure the country is going to be okay.  But there will be a price for such an important goal.  We’re going to need to change our ways and recognise that somewhere along the way, we let our greed get the better of us. 

From your nice warm bed
It’s too bad we live in a world where we are forced to choose the best.  Can we not just say – all these movies had powerful messages and deserve recognition?  Of course when I choose a movie, I choose it for it’s message.  Can’t all the movies share the recognition?  Not the keen directing or camera shots.  I really only care about the message. 

You just remember what your old pal said
Here are the movies that I saw that deserve recognition for both their messages and their excellence in films:    The order of the movies is not a reflection of their standanding in this group of pictures.  They all deserve recognition for excellent morals standards, in a time when most people seemed to have forgotten where their moral rudder can be found. 

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
Gran Torino
Slumdog Millionaire

Boy, you’ve got a friend in me
Sorry, I didn’t see Doubt or Changeling or any other great movie.  But I do intend to see these movies as well.  As I hear they are also good movies. 

Yeah, you’ve got a friend in me
Cheers to Clint Eastwood for his dedication to directing, creating and writing of good movies.  I’m lifting a glass to you!

Many thanks to Randy Newman and the Toy Story Lyrics.

Clint Eastwood shows us how its done in Gran Torino!

Okay, Wow!!  What a movie.  I’m actually considering seeing this movie a second time.  Which I never do, unless I love the movie.   Don’t worry No Spoiler Alert Here.   This movie will make you react physically before you see the end. 

My Dad (who struggles with Alzheimer’s) and who is also a Korean War Veteran (like Walt Kowalski, in the movie; played by Clint Eastwood).   I’m hoping my Dad will really enjoy the movie, as he has so much in common with the main character (age 78, recent widower, Korean War Vet – yada, yada, yada).  My Dad loves the movie and notes memories of the 1st Calvery Division in the Korean War; of which our character has served.  [Editor Notes:  My Dad, more and more as he loses his mind to Alzheimer’s, relives his experiences in the Korean War.  Recently when my sister K called, he told her, that bullets were flying over his head, the chinese were out to get him…(you get the picture)].

Never having been a fan of Clint Eastwood before (I Know!!!), I certainly am one now.  Being the girl that I am, I simply side-stepped the rough, gruff movies characters of the past.  Now, however I am ready to take them on, because I understand them much better now.  -After being enlightened by Clint Eastwood in Gran Torino.

Clint Eastwood plays Walt Kowalski, a rough, tough elder man who has become irrevelant while he still lives.  He doesn’t communicate well with his family.  He mostly sits on the porch of his home, smoke cigarettes and drinks beers from his coolers.  When you first observe Walt Kowalski, you’d call him a racist.  But later on in the movie, when he begins to colide with others around him in events, beyond his control, you realize the real truth about Walt Kowalski.  A shaman in the story line reads him and tells him his truth.  The character reacts strongly. 

Through-out the movie the character Walt Kowalski crashes into parts of our American landscape that has changed radically over the years.  Refusing to accept the changes, and trying to live his ideals is what endears the character Walt Kowalski to us as an audience. 

Please see this movie, you will enjoy it.  Make sure you take a date, and plan dinner afterwards.  Make it a movie event!! 

Rotten Tomatoes gave this movie a 76%, while the movie mob users gives this movie a 9 out of 10.  I do give this movie 10 out of 10 stars, it is Oscar worthy (as if I have any idea what that means)!!

Parents, it is an “R” rating, no children.  But Mom’s and Dad’s if you have a teenager who is smart and with-it, I believe you should see it together.  At least I plan to see it with my 16 year old son, when I can.

Oh, before I forget, I should tell you that my Dad, absolutely hated the ending.  The ending I admit is genius.  I didn’t see it coming. – But that’s me…  My Dad wanted to see an absolute shoot-out!  And Clint Eastwood rides off into the sun set.  That’s all I can say without ruining the movie for you.  Enjoy!!  See you again later!