When his prized 1972 Gran Torino nearly is stolen, disgruntled Korean War vet Walt Kowalski (Eastwood) looks to clean up his neighborhood, which has been taken over by gangs. Reluctantly, Kowalski also forms a bond with one of his neighbors, a Hmong teenager, whose family is embroiled in a gang-related conflict.

Clint Eastwood’s under-wraps project is getting a reveal at year’s end, in hopes that his Detroit-set story of racism, revenge, and urban decline will result in an Eastwood-heavy Oscar field. Apple has the trailer online, and it’s confirmed that Christian Bale officially has some competition in the Best Grumble category. I like that Mr. Eastwood is updating his own Dirty Harry persona (make it more age-appropriate); he also seems to be providing a societal critique that is reminiscent of 70s-era urban-panic movies. Does the trailer, however, feel a bit rushed to you — an indication that yet another film from a notable director (think: Oliver Stone here) has been given the hurry-up treatment for potential Oscar glory? GT could be up for Best Director by default, but Best Picture?

Rated R for language throughout, and some violence.

A mother’s prayer for her kidnapped son to return home is answered, though it doesn’t take long for her to suspect the boy who comes back is not hers.

Clint Eastwood directs Angelina Jolie and John Malkovich in a provocative thriller based on actual events: Changeling. In the film, Christine Collins’ (Jolie) prayers are met when her kidnapped son is returned. But amidst the frenzy of the photo-op reunion, she realizes this child is not hers. Facing corrupt police and a skeptical public, she desperately hunts for answers, only to be confronted by a truth that will change her forever.

Los Angeles, 1928: On a Saturday morning in a working-class suburb, Christine said goodbye to her son, Walter, and left for work. When she came home, she discovered he had vanished. A fruitless search ensues, and months later, a boy claiming to be the nine-year-old is returned. Dazed by the swirl of cops, reporters and her conflicted emotions, Christine allows him to stay overnight. But in her heart, she knows he is not Walter.

Changeling … read more »