Gran Torino

As fine a career as Clint Eastwood has had, it is time for him to hang up his spurs and fold up his director's chair. "Gran Torino" is an apprentice's effort, at best. It is a made-for-tv-movie, a Lifetime movie, a YouTube original. Neither acting, nor writing, nor tired directing could save this film. Even the few good humorous moments could save it. There are so many movies and so few viewing opportunities. Don't waste your time and remember Clint for "Forgiven".

Revolutionary Road

When Kate Winslet brought Revolutionary Road, the novel and screen play adaption to her husband, Sam Mendes, she was doing him a favor. This quiet story of a simple couple in the fifties needs the subtle direction of Mendes and deceptively strong intensity of Winslet's performance. The combined themes of "who am I?" and "what could I become?" cause any viewer open to such philosophical questions reflection during and after the film
It all starts with a couple getting together and starting their married life in the suburbs. Domesticity in the fifties combined with the emergence of Marketing as a profession suggests a potential boring film, but add a realistic social life, throw in a couple of extra-marital flings and now your talking about a film that will grab your attention
Leonardo DiCaprio is consistent in a standard performance and will be well received by his fans as an example of why he should be taken as a serious actor. The supporting cast is simultaneously strong and subtle as evidenced by Michael Givins in his role of the next door neighbor.
Don't be over-influence by the socially controversial climax. We all have important decisions to make in our lives, and must live with consequences as well.