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   The Mule

review by Bobby Blakey

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Throughout his iconic career Clint Eastwood has delivered some great films both in front and behind the character and often at the same time. His latest film, The Mule throws him back into dual roles once again alongside a great cast including Bradley Cooper, Michael Pena, Andy Garcia, Laurence Fishburne, Dianne Wiest, Clifton Collins Jr., Alison Eastwood, and Taissa Farmiga. Could this film once again capture the same magic as his past endeavors or will it fail to make the delivery?

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The Mule follows a 90-year-old horticulturist and Korean War veteran who is caught transporting $3 million worth of cocaine through Illinois for a Mexican drug cartel. As with all his films Eastwood weaves in layers of humanity and story that are so much more than just a simple film. The Mule is no difference bringing these elements from his family issues, the detectives on his trail, and the inner workings of the cartel all wrapped around his trips to make their deliveries.

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Eastwood is great as ever on both sides of the camera. Sure as an actual almost 90 year old man he is moving slower and showing his age, but in the best way possible. He embodies this character to perfection bringing his usual grumpy persona that just works makes him endearing despite some not so appropriate behaviors. There are some laughs here and there, but this is a pure drama for the most part with some heavy moments and the supporting cast all bring their A game to the film.

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For those hoping there would be some gun toting old school Eastwood ass whooping you will be disappointed, but instead it’s a character driven film that worked for me across the board. It is slow paced by design but in a great way allowing you to keep engaged with all the characters on screen right up until the end. There is an underlying theme of redemption for his character that is perfectly cemented in the final moments of the film in the only way that really made sense.

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Eastwood continues to be one of the best filmmakers out there and hasn’t lost an ounce of his screen charisma. If anything it has only gotten stronger with age and I applaud him for his ongoing work and this is yet another great film and role to add to his resume.

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In addition to the film this release includes a music video and featurette taking you behind bringing this story to the big screen. Hit the road and grab your copy of The Mule available now on Digital and then on 4K Ultra, Blu-ray and DVD on April 2nd from Warner Bros. Home Entertainment.

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