THE MULE

THE MULE

* * *

(Senior citizen drug driver)

Clint Eastwood's latest movie, which he produced, directed and stars in, has received loads of publicity and some bad critical reviews. It turns out to be a very predictable little film about an old man (Eastwood) who has spent his life caring for his horticulture business while neglecting his wife and family.

While Earl Stone comes across as a sympathetic, naive, old codger, in reality he has lived his life in the fast lane with little consideration for his loved ones. Separated from his family, he has traveled 41 states selling his day lilies, living it up on the road and at conventions, and, with the advent of the Internet, put out of business.

What to do? How about becoming a mule for a bunch of nasty, dangerous Mexicans?

Earl gets deeper and deeper into the cartel. When he realizes how dangerous they are, he is in over his head.

Meanwhile the DEA, led by Bradley Cooper, are tracking the cartel, with the help of a snitch but never getting close enough to nab them. There's a fun scene where Cooper's character comes face to face with the mule in a seedy diner that is a gem.

But for the most part, what we get is a sad tale of an old man who has lost his family due to his own actions and, finally, by the skin of his teeth finds redemption. It is worth seeing the movie because it could be Eastwood's last.

Rated R for profanity, violence, sex and nudity.