Walt Kowalski, played by Clint Eastwood, is simply an unhappy retired Korean War vet.

Eastwood is scowling and quite literally growling through this role of an aging bigot/racist with a heart big as gold on the inside but never showing anyone just how soft he was on the outside.

This film ponders the value of the yarns we spin about heroes and lawless encounters.

The title refers to Walt's prize possession -- a forest green 1972 Ford Gran Torino that sits in a garage under a tarp.

I think Clint did it again; he made this whole picture click together.

Don't miss it!

Times have changed, but not Walt Kowalski, a Korean War vet with nothing left except for his 1972 Gran Torino and a golden retriever named Daisy.

Yes, it's Dirty Harry in retirement, complete with a bigoted viewpoint and a stash of weapons to keep his fort safe from marauding street gangs.

It's a formula anti-racism movie with an outstanding performance by its director that is both funny and tragic.

Clint Eastwood is back behind the camera directing in his new movie, Gran Torino, and for the first time since 2004's Oscar-winning Million Dollar Baby, he's in front of it -- playing an ornery, cantankerous Korean War vet whose immigrant neighbors force him to tackle his racist bigotry.

This is a clever, powerful film, with Eastwood being in total command of the screen.

Look for his acting and directing talents to be up for Oscar consideration.