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Multiple Critics Kick Clint Eastwood's Film, 'The Mule'

December 15, 2018, 2:20 PM
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Some critics don't give Clint Eastwood much love for his new film, "The Mule," which features Eastwood playing an 87-year-old drug "mule," Leo Sharp, who was busted in 2011 in Washtenaw County while transporting 104 kilos of cocaine for the infamous Sinaloa Cartel in Mexico, headed by "El Chapo."

There are exceptions, like in the The Hollywood Reporter, which gives Eastwood some praise.  

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Here are four review excerpts: 

Alissa Wilkinson of Vox News 

I heartily wish, though, that The Mule itself had been anywhere near as impressive as the guy who made it. It’s a movie for Eastwood’s most faithful fans, some of whom may love seeing him return to his comfort zone: gruff old man learning a life lesson. For the rest of us, The Mule is a much more trying experience.

Based on the true story of Leo Sharp, a 90-year-old man who worked as a drug mule for a Mexican cartel, The Mule is a thinly characterized, clunkily realized showcase for its director, who may or may not be working out some personal issues on screen. Yes, there are some very funny moments, and Eastwood retains plenty of charm.

But too often, the film feels slapped together, half-assed, and lacking some much-needed care. And nowhere is that more evident than in the way the characters themselves are written.

Chris Agar of Screen Rant

That isn't to say The Mule is a bad film, it just doesn't reach the heights of some of Eastwood's other works. If interested parties have time in their schedule, it might be worth the trip; otherwise, it'd be the ideal rental for a rainy day.

Adam Graham of The Detroit News

"The Mule" is straightforward and matter of fact, just like Clint Eastwood himself. At 88, the Hollywood icon doesn't have a lot of time to sit around and mull over details. Cut it, print it, move on.

As such, "The Mule" — which is Eastwood's second directorial effort this year, following February's "The 15:17 to Paris" — feels like a rush-job. With some finessing, this story of an octogenarian horticulturist who becomes a drug runner could have had a more emotional sweep. But the drama of the story never takes hold and its resolution feels too tidy, dulling its impact.

Todd McCarthy of The Hollywood Reporter:

Less cranky and inciting than "Gran Torino," but persuasively expressive in conveying an old man's regrets along with his desire to improve himself even in late age, The Mule shows that Eastwood's still got it, both as a director and actor.

Related post:

Video: A Detroit DEA Agent, an Old Man and Clint Eastwood's Movie 'The Mule'



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