Cry Macho (2021)

Director: Clint Eastwood
Starring: Clint Eastwood, Dwight Yoakam, Eduardo Minett

Synopsis:
A washed-up former rodeo star is asked by his ex-boss to go to Mexico to bring back his son, only the boy's abusive mother is not willing to let him go.

Impressions:
Although I hadn't heard great things about this movie, the fact that Clint Eastwood is still acting, writing and directing at his age is impressive and at least warranted me giving the film a shot. Now, I can remember starting to watch Gran Torino some years back and abandoning it due to the clunky writing. I nearly did the same here with the opening exposition and clumsy delivery by Dwight Yoakam as Howard nearly feeling like Neil Breen-level work (which I found odd because I remember him being okay in Panic Room). Eastwood's acting is solid, as you would expect, but he's far too old for the role. I'll give him credit for doing what he does, but the character of Mike should probably be played by someone a good 30 years younger to be plausible. (I'm sorry, but unless you're loaded, there aren't too many women going to be throwing themselves at nonagenerians.) Due to his age and (as near as I can tell) this being his first English-language performance, I'm inclined to cut Eduardo Minett some slack, but the character feels like he was supposed to be significantly younger. If you're a big Eastwood fan, you might want to check this out, but this is a mixed bag at best. Take it or leave it.

Rating:
50/50