In 2014, production company, “Imperative Entertainment” purchased the films rights to an article called, “The Sinaloa Cartel’s 90-Year-Old Drug Mule.” The company recruited Ruben Fleshier (Zombieland, Venom) to direct the movie, but he declined due to schedule conflicts. In early 2018, film studio Warner Bros. (WB for short) confirmed that legendary Oscar winning actor/director, Clint Eastwood will direct, produce & headline the picture with the help of his production company, “Malpaso Productions” as the title character known as, “The Mule.”
The Mule is currently out in theaters along with “Spider-Man Into The Spider-Verse.” Clint’s latest film mixed to positive reviews from critics and its earning revenue at the box office.
Today’s review doesn’t contain any crucial SPOILERS. Feel free to read this non-spoiler review.
Positive & Negative Elements
Positive: Clint Eastwood did a fantastic job for his performance. In addition to headlining the film, he also produced & directed it. Not bad for an old man past his prime. The Mule is his first acting role since “Trouble With The Curve.”
Other Cast Members including Bradley Cooper, Laurence Fishburne, Michael Peña, Dianne Wiest, Allison Eastwood, (Clint’s real life daughter) Taissa Farminga & Andy Garcia all did a great job for their respective performances.
Fun Fact: Both Bradley & Laurence collaborated with Clint in separate films. Bradley starred in American Sniper & Laurence co-starred in Mystic River.
Despite being labeled as a crime drama, the film has suitable humor.
The narrative is based on a true story centering on Leo Sharp a World War II veteran turned horticulturalist turned drug smuggler working for The Mexican Cartel. In the movie, Clint’s character is named Earl Stone, who’s a Korean War veteran turned horticulturalist turned drug smuggler.
Character Development involving Earl. He goes from a workaholic neglectful husband/father/grandfather to a responsible husband/father/grandfather who deeply cares about his loved ones and he’ll do anything to support their financial future.
Earl mentioned his last trip will be his “last ride.” A subtext reflecting Clint’s career in fifty plus years. Who’s knows if he really means he might retire?
Earl’s motive to earn a bunch of money is similar to Robin Hood. (not the recent movie with Taron Egerton & Jamie Foxx) Trying to support his family, paying off a friend’s mortgage etc.
The setting for The Mule is set in 2005-2017.
As the film progresses, each one becomes increasingly difficult raising the stakes.
The film has a lot of good lookin’ women. Earl’s interactions with them is played for laughs.
The Mule features actors from the Marvel Cinematic Universe including Bradley Cooper, (Rocket Raccoon) Michael Peña (Ant-Man’s friend, Luis) & Laurence Fishburne. (Bill Foster/Goliath) If the X-Men series were made in The 70’s or 80’s, Clint Eastwood would’ve portrayed Wolverine. If only we had a time machine to hire young Clint as Hugh Jackman’s replacement in a future X-Men movie.
Negative: Product Placement featuring brands such as O’Reilly Auto Parts, Apple, Lincoln Motor Company & Waffle House. I couldn’t remember any other brand to spot and I’ll give this con a pass. Plus the picture is based on true events, which means a biopic can get away with Product Placement.
A drug lord has an unfortunate name. His name is, “Tata.” Hearing his name made me snicker. I know he’s a Mexican drug lord, but hearing that name sounds kinda ridiculous. It’s not as cringeworthy than Ethan Hawke’s character named, Bruce Kenner from “Regression.”
Cinematography can be shaky at times. Who’s responsible for holding the camera, Road Runner (from Looney Tunes) on caffeine? I hate it when somebody doesn’t handle a camera properly.
Without giving anything away, The Ending never shows us actual photos or a text labeled, “Inspire By A True Story.” For those who’re planning to make a movie based on true events, include archive footage, photos or a “where are they now” montage.
The Final Verdict: B, FOR BIRDIE! (GOLF TERM)
In my opinion, The Mule is a decent crime drama from the living legend. Although he’s way past his prime, Clint’s still got it. If you have nothing to do during Christmas month, I highly recommend seeing this movie along with Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse.
I have no clue if Clint is gonna retire or not. He can be unpredictable like talkin’ to a chair on purpose. He’s a legend and you can be darn well sure nothing will stand in his way.
Nickthemoviecritic.com 