Parents' Guide to The Mule

Eastwood directs this drama at the same high level as his best work; his classical sure-footedness overcomes potentially goopy material. And fans can likely forgive him a few politically incorrect missteps. Suggested by a New York Times Magazine story, The Mule brings Eastwood back to acting for the first time since Trouble with the Curve; it also marks the first time he's directed himself since Gran Torino. Now close to 90 himself, Eastwood looks older and frailer than you may remember, but Earl is a perfect role for him. He's a little doddering, more streetwise than smart, but with an endearing twinkle in his eye and a mischievous smile on his lips.

The movie's main theme is that family is more important than work (as well as the evils of technology), and while it's not discussed at length, Eastwood gives the movie a flow that seems natural -- tulips become a lovely symbol -- and not preachy. The movie has a few moments here and there that are embarrassing, such as women being objectified and some culturally insensitive remarks, but they feel like the whims of an eccentric older man rather than anything intentionally malicious. The drug world story is given little weight -- there's no acknowledgement or discussion of the lives that drugs ruin -- but nonetheless, involvement with it comes with a price. In the end, The Mule once again shows that Eastwood is a master filmmaker in the old Hollywood style.