The Mule: An Amazing True Story!

If you're a fan of Clint Eastwood (who directed, produced, and stars in this film), you will almost certainly enjoy "The Mule," but I think most movie fans will think "the trip" was worthwhile, too.  It's a film with an interesting true story, intermittent suspense, and a feel-good message, but it's lacking depth and character development, so it doesn't quite make my Top 20 for the year.  The movie is based on a New York Times Magazine article written by Sam Dolnick. Earl Stone (Eastwood) is a horticulturist whose business demands that he travel much of the time.  In 2005, the women treat him like a celebrity at flower conventions.  Earl enjoys the road and likes to party.  He was exclusively dedicated to his work and essentially ignored his family, resulting in divorce from his wife and estrangement from his daughter, Iris (played by Clint's actual daughter, Alison).  His ex-wife Mary (Dianne Wiest) can barely stand to look at him. The film soon shifts to 2017.  The internet has ruined Earl's flower business, and his home and farm have gone into foreclosure.  He is now in his late 80s, doesn't have any money, and the situation appears to be desperate.  Earl loves to drive, and as "luck" would have it, Earl gets referred to the Mexican Cartel and soon becomes their #1 Mule, driving millions of dollars of cocaine from Texas to Chicago.  Unfortunately for Earl, Agent Colin Bates (Bradley Cooper) is hot on "The Mule's" trail, eager to bring him down. The cast is excellent, but – since depth is lacking – the roles don't have much range, so none of them will be nominated for AAs. If you see this movie, prior to entering the theater, enjoy a "Moscow Mule" on me!