Preview: Gran Torino (2008)

• Poster: C-

Review:

A rather undistinguished poster for such a promising project. Clint Eastwood's image might pull people to the theater expecting a gun-toting Dirty Harry-style film and then they'll be exceedingly disappointed if they haven't seen the trailer.

• Trailer: B+

Review:

Once again, Clint Eastwood is saving his Oscar-contending film for the final slot of the year. As with his Flags of Our Fathers/Letters from Iwo Jima series of releases, Eastwood is pushing out Gran Torino at the end of the year where it's better poised for Oscar victory especially after the critical collapse of his Angelina Jolie starrer Changeling.

Oscar Prospects:

As the season's big names slowly drop off the radar, Gran Torino could easily benefit taking nominations for Picture, Director, Actor and Screenplay. However, I doubt it will win any of them unless sentiment grants Eastwood an acting Oscar.

Release Date:

• December 12, 2008

Full Review Synopsis:

I have not seen this film.

-Wesley Lovell (October 26, 2008) Original

-Wesley Lovell (November 23, 2008) New Release Date (changed from 12/17/08)

-Wesley Lovell (January 18, 2009) Buy the Poster Enabled