Film-Tech Forum ARCHIVE: The Mule (2018)

This is topic The Mule (2018) in forum Film Handlers' Movie Reviews at Film-Tech Forum ARCHIVE.

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Posted by Sam Graham (Member # 2889) on 12-17-2018, 12:36 AM:

CINEMA: Regal Warren East, Wichita, KS
AUDITORIUM: 7, SEAT: C6
PRESENTATION: Warren 21 Recline-o-Vision with butt warmers and Regal Roller Coaster Vision with new orange crown logo (Regal! Orange is the New Crown!)
PRESENTATION PROBLEMS: None [Cool]

RATING: Three stars (out of four)

THE PLOT: The internet ruins the floral business. Wackiness ensues.

This is apparently based on a true story of a 90 year-old drug mule who got away with some significant runs based on the fact that nobody would suspect him. It plays at a slow, low-key pace that kind of aligns with the primary character. I've seen some reviews complaining about that, particularly in regards to the parts Lawrence Fishburne and Bradley Cooper play as DEA agents, but as someone who spent 20 years working closely with DEA and other agencies, I can attest this is pretty much how they operate.

Eastwood and Dianne Weist have a tremendous scene together towards the end that just might get her a supporting actress nomination.

Posted by Frank Cox (Member # 6258) on 01-17-2019, 03:21 PM:

I really enjoyed this movie.

As stated above, it isn't a rip-snorter, but that's pretty much the point. The story is interesting and it moves along fast enough to keep my attention. Teenagers might not be too interested in it, though.

It's definitely a movie worth seeing, and it's certainly a change from all of the modern movies that rely on whiz-bang over narrative.

Posted by Mike Blakesley (Member # 26) on 01-23-2019, 02:01 AM:

We were on a short vacation in Florida and saw this movie over the weekend, since we're going to miss seeing it at home.

I enjoyed it a lot, although I can't think of a time when I didn't enjoy a Clint Eastwood movie. The film is languidly paced, as noted, but it fits for the type of story. I loved the semi-surprise of the ending. I wonder how many people walked in late and didn't "get" that.

I would say it's almost as good, but not quite as good, as Gran Torino. That's my favorite Clint movie (that he starred in).

3.5 out of 5 stars from me.