Synopsis:
The film stars Eastwood as Mike Milo, a one-time rodeo star and washed-up horse breeder who, in 1979, takes a job from an ex-boss to bring the man’s young son home from Mexico. Forced to take the backroads on their way to Texas, the unlikely pair faces an unexpectedly challenging journey, during which the world-weary horseman finds unexpected connections and his own sense of redemption.
Whether adult or child, we all need guidance from time to time. However, as adults, we can seek out guidance at our leisure from a multitude of different sources. Whereas children are mostly stuck with who is in their vicinity. That doesn’t exactly bode well for the child if the adults that take up space around them simply just take up space. The role of the guide is to not plainly tell them the route they should take but to provide knowledge, experience, and the tools one needs to journey on by themselves. The journey is long therefore multiple guides may need to be sought out along the way, since the roads are ever-evolving. Also, in order to be successful, the guide should also learn from the person they are giving advice to, whether younger or older, that’s how bonds are formed. Never be too proud to learn from the generation the succeeds yours. Thus, a symbiotic relationship is formed throughout humanity because we all need someone and someone needs us. We all need each other to survive, thrive, and to achieve goals, it’s pretty simple. The sooner we figure out that we are nothing without each other, the better we will become.
“On the street, I trust no one. But it’s safer than at home.”
In another starring/directorial effort, the legend that is Clint Eastwood rides once again in Cry Macho. Based on a novel of the same name, this neo-western drama initially appears to be full of grit, sadness, and unfortunate circumstances but is surprisingly tender and optimistic even with its somber tone. Now, it’s not a mushy tenderness but rather the evolution of a once hardened man that has lived a long life and has discovered what really matters. While the story isn’t overly complicated, there’s a genuineness in the way it takes on its generational gaps as well as its racial/cultural ones. It also allows Eastwood the opportunity to reflect and expound on the very thing that his persona is built on, being macho. The film eerily feels like Eastwood’s ride off into the sunset moment as it ends in a very pleasing farewell type of way. At the age of 91, you do have to suspend belief at times as his character is a cowboy who rides wild horses, chases a rooster, and gets wrecks and scuffles.
I found myself confused at times as to why certain moments weren’t omitted simply for the optics. This may not be Eastwood’s best work but its messaging is something he can rest his hat on. It’s about unlikely bonds and unexpected friendships, trust, learning from one another, and what it means to be a man. The film has a few awkward moments that I couldn’t help but laugh at and I’m almost certain they weren’t meant to be funny, but nonetheless, the story seems to have the best of intentions. I wasn’t completely sold on the story in the first act but once our duo reaches a small town to rest their head, the film blossoms into something pure after a grim and slightly disjointed start. There are some beautiful shots throughout, a score that transports you, and a smiling Clint Eastwood that I’m not used to seeing. This melancholy western is for true Eastwood fans who want to continue seeing the legend tell compelling stories. Its rewatchability is low.
Pacing & Pop
You may have been expecting a faster pace film with the word macho in the title, but it’s not what we get. However, it does start rather abruptly. With the film being a neo-western, the somewhat subdued pacing works just fine with the story we are given. What popped for me was Mike’s (Clint Eastwood) chemistry with Marta (Natalia Traven). She did most of the heavy lifting, but it’s what saved the film for me.
Characters & Chemistry
At times, some of the acting felt a bit over-the-top, however, I thoroughly enjoyed the performance of Natalia Traven as Marta. The chemistry between her and Clint Eastwood’s Mike is just cute. There’s a language barrier but it doesn’t stop the blossoming affection. Eastwood was as expected. He was blunt and wore the classic Eastwood glare. But he also caring and donned a rarely seen joyous smile that took me by surprise. Eduardo Minett as Rafo also had great chemistry with Eastwood’s character. What was initially an argumentative odd couple, transformed into a beautiful friendship.
Cry Macho released on September 17, 2021 in the U.S. in theaters and on HBO Max on the Ad-Free plan; it will be available on HBO Max for 31 days from the theatrical release. Stay safe and enjoy.
Director: Clint Eastwood
Writers: Nick Schenk and N. Richard Nash
Producers: Clint Eastwood, Albert S. Ruddy, Tim Moore, and Jessica Meier
Executive Producers: David M. Bernstein
Rated: PG-13
Runtime: 1h 43m
Rating: 3 out of 5
Senior Critic. Observing the human race since 1988.
