Early in my film career I interviewed many directors and had the good fortunate to interview Clint Eastwood twice. He became an actor who could perform in almost every genre and also began to fill in on all kinds of jobs in the movie industry.  Making film after film and winning awards for his work, Eastwood was ready to become a director with his own style of direction, mostly having a quiet set and not many rehearsals.  He probably has the longest bio on IMDb.

Most of his actions show up in The Mule, based on a true story adapted for the screen by Nick Schenk and directed by Eastwood. Old and bewildered Earl Stone (Eastwood) is a 90-year-old former horticulturist who has lost his job and is not very close to his wife (Dianne Wiest) or children. He’s also about to be homeless.

Not being invited to his granddaughter’s (Taissa Farmiga) engagement party leaves Earl with a sinking chin and droopy eyes. He hops into his big black truck and hits the open road. Jobs for men his age do not come often, so when Earl hears about a job driving products to companies he takes it. 

Earl has no idea that he has signed on as a drug courier for the Mexican Sinaloa Cartel -- from Mexico to Chicago. Sleeping in his truck or some of the rundown hotel rooms along his run is probably the nearest thing to home, and it’s in these moments Eastwood’s talent scores with a face full of “what have I done expressions.”

What Earl does not know is that he’s being watched by DEA agent Colin Bates (Bradly Cooper). He’s also been busy giving lots of money to causes like the Veterans of Foreign Wars.

The ending of this story is one that was needed for Earl’s family and a man who might have a chance to do the right thing. Eastwood still shows his great talent for entertaining movie goers.

(Released by Warner Bros. and rated “R” for language throughout, some sexuality/nudity and substance abuse)