The last time we
saw Clint Eastwood in a lead role was in 2008’s Gran Torino, where he
played a sort of hero. In this movie, he’s the mule. Yep, the movie is about
Eastwood playing a drug mule. I’m assuming everyone reading this knows what a
drug mule is—those are the people who transport drugs from the makers to the
retailers.
The movie is
fun, and the idea of his character refusing to be intimidated and standing his
ground is exciting to watch. That said, it’s not one of his best films, as
there are some dull moments, and too much emphasis is placed on his
relationship with his family when the real excitement lies in his new “job.”
Eastwood directed, starred in, and produced this movie, which is based on The
New York Times article "The Sinaloa Cartel's 90-Year-Old Drug
Mule" by Sam Dolnick. The article recounts the story of a World War
II veteran who became a drug courier in his 80s.
When his granddaughter is getting married, he promises to help financially, but his lack of money—and his obvious display of it—leads to a shouting match with his ex-wife at the wedding. A stranger overhears the argument and approaches him with an offer: call a number, as the people on the other end are looking for a driver who can stay under the radar. The idea of making money driving and supporting his granddaughter convinces him to take the offer. He makes the call and becomes a drug courier.
Soon, his personality helps him befriend the drug lords, and his wit allows him to bypass the police and other obstacles to deliver the goods.
Of course,
things like this always go south, and when they do, it happens fast. A change
in leadership marks the beginning of the end for our friend’s new money-making
venture.
The Mule isn’t
a super fantastic movie, but it’s not bad either. I enjoyed it, though the
length and the many dull moments might turn off those who prefer their movies
sharp and to the point.
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