THE MULE -is "Narcos" with a heart. You see, I've been watching too much "Narcos" on Netflix to know what "Gringo" means without looking it up. And with a dissapointing Narcos: Mexico last year I didn't expect to get my "drug drama" fix on "The Mule".
Directed and starred in by Clint Eastwood, the film which is loosely based on true events of the Sinaloa cartel's 90 year old is real, simple and poignant.
Its also a refreshing spin and kind of offers a reverse perspective on the "Drug Story", this one is set in the US instead of Columbia or Mexico and has an elderly American in the middle, instead of an ambitious "Narco".
When you see Clint Eastwood on screen, you think to yourself,
"man, he's really old" and I think that's why the role and the story is perfect for him, at 88 years old Eastwood, stars, produces and directs the movie
(and here I am just wanting to retire before 60).
He plays 90 year old horticulturist Earl Stone, who is estranged from his family, broke and facing a foreclosure on his home. He gets what he thinks is a "driving gig" but in reality becomes a drug courier for a Mexican cartel. Given his race, age and a clean driving record, Earl is the perfect mule and he soon gets tasked with doing more and more runs, this of course doesn't go unnoticed by the DEA, most especially DEA Agent Colin Bates (Bradley Cooper).
With his new found flow of cash, he has been welcomed back by his family (it's been known to happen) and he comes to realize all his shortcomings and he must decide whether to right his past mistakes or face the wrath of the Cartel or the DEA who is getting dangerously close.
There are social themes on racial discrimination and racial profiling, in the case of the story, it worked in favor of the cartel, since Earl was not suspected because he's an elderly Caucasian and of course, the rest of the Latin Americans are given dirty looks and even questioned by local police, because you know racial profiling.
There's this scene where Earl helps an African-American family who get a flat tire in the middle of the road, he helps them and says it's amusing that he's helping out (then he says the N word) he says it not out of malice but because at 90 years old, he's really not aware of politically correct terms anymore. The look that the family gets is equally amusing as well. Hey, the important thing is he stopped to help them right?
The film may lack the traditional tools for a drama but I think that's why it's refreshing, it didn't rely on sob stories (there are even hilarious lines in there) but you still get that weird sad poignant feeling. I only wish they didn't force the friendship of Earl and his Cartel handler, it was not necessary for the story. Either do if right or don't do it at all. Just a little nitpicking. It's a good and fresh film, I guess you can teach an old dog new tricks.
7/10 "The Mule" is in select Ayala Malls Cinemas Jan. 30
