The Mule (UHD Blu-ray) review

[David Vaughn]

Studio: Warner Brothers

Release Date: April 2, 2019
Rating: R
Film: 2.5/5
 
Plot
Earl Stone (Clint Eastwood) is a man in his 80s who is broke, alone and facing foreclosure of his business when he is offered a job that simply requires him to drive. Easy enough, but, unbeknownst to Earl, he’s just signed on as a drug courier for the cartel. He does well—so well, in fact, that his cargo increases exponentially, and Earl is assigned a handler. But he isn’t the only one keeping tabs on Earl; the mysterious new drug mule has also hit the radar of hard-charging DEA agent Colin Bates (Bradley Cooper). And even as his money problems become a thing of the past, Earl’s past mistakes start to weigh heavily on him, and it’s uncertain if he’ll have time to right those wrongs before law enforcement, or the cartel’s enforcers, catch up to him.
 
My Thoughts
I’m generally a fan of Eastwood’s film, but at 88, I’m thinking the iconic star is losing his magic touch with his films. This story is loosely based on at true story that appeared in the New York Times Magazine a few years ago (https://www.nytimes.com/2014/06/15/magazine/the-sinaloa-cartels-90-year-old-drug-mule.html), which is quite a good read. As is usual, the story has been changed quite a bit for dramatic effect.
Where I take issue with the film is that Eastwood makes the main character much too likable in both is portrayal and how the character is written. They’re trying to say that it was essentially an honest mistake on how the man got into the drug business and he only did it order to raise money to save his home, fix up the veteran’s center, and help pay for some family expenses. Sorry, I just couldn’t buy it. This man was responsible for over a thousand kilos of cocaine to make its way onto the streets of US cities and he’s a criminal. He did it out of greed, plain and simple.
 
Editorial comments aside, the pacing is a bit glacial and repetitive although I really enjoyed the simplistic score and razor-sharp cinematography. In fact, this is a stellar 4K release in regard to the video encode. Colors pop, the image has a three-dimensional look to it, and other than the occasional murky low-light shot, it’s extremely pleasing on the eyes. The DTS-HD MA 5.1 track is about what you’d expect from the genre and doesn’t break any new ground in that regard.
 
Video 9.5/10 
 
Audio 10/10 (DTS-HD MA 5.1)
 
Special Features:
 

• Making of the The Mule: Nobody Runs Forever
• Toby Keith “Don’t Let the Old Man In” Music Video
• Blu-ray + Digital Copy

 

 
Conclusion
Given my fondness for Eastwood, my expectations were probably too high heading into the film. While it isn’t a bad movie, it’s certainly not one of Eastwood’s finest moments and I don’t like how they crafted the main character. If you’re interested, I’d go the rental route first because I don’t think this is a film you’d watch more than once.

[tripplej]

Thanks for the review. I do like his movies but this one, I will watch once on netflix or amazon prime.

[AVSCraig]

I like Clint, and I'll probably buy this, but the price needs to come way down from $29.00. I'm in at $19.99 ! 

[David Vaughn]

I like Clint, and I'll probably buy this, but the price needs to come way down from $29.00. I'm in at $19.99 !

Craig,

You'll be drooling with the video quality of the opening shot of the film. It's jaw-dropping in its detail and color as the camera does a close-up of some exotic flowers. 

[Ralph P.]

Greetings,

Here's another instance where myself and my buddy disagree (sorry Dave!). I liked this film and felt that how the main character was drawn and portrayed is what I liked best about it. Contrivances aside, I don't believe the purpose here was to mislead the audience regarding Earl's guilt or naivety. I believe the purpose was to render someone that started something for one reason and how that evolved into something that would unexpectedly change his life. For the better in some ways and not in others.

Judging by the outcome in the film he knew exactly what he was doing and was willing to deal with the consequences, come what may.

Thanks for the review Dave..   

[David Vaughn]

Greetings,

Here's another instance where myself and my buddy disagree (sorry Dave!). I liked this film and felt that how the main character was drawn and portrayed is what I liked best about it. Contrivances aside, I don't believe the purpose here was to mislead the audience regarding Earl's guilt or naivety. I believe the purpose was to render someone that started something for one reason and how that evolved into something that would unexpectedly change his life. For the better in some ways and not in others.

Judging by the outcome in the film he knew exactly what he was doing and was willing to deal with the consequences, come what may.

Thanks for the review Dave..  

Thanks Ralph. We had four people watching it and everyone came to pretty much the same conclusion. Of the four, I liked it the best, but I'd only give it a 3/5...average. 

[Dylan Seeger]

I like Clint Eastwood and based on his age I don't know how many more movies he's going to do. I'll check this one out too, when the price drops!

[David Vaughn]

It's watchable, but somewhat forgettable when it's done. I still like Eastwood a lot but his last few films haven't been as good as his work in the 90's and early 2000's. 

[AVSCraig]

It's watchable, but somewhat forgettable when it's done. I still like Eastwood a lot but his last few films haven't been as good as his work in the 90's and early 2000's.

American Sniper was excellent. I re-watched it not long ago. Bradley Cooper does a great job, and the soundtrack is awesome on my system. 

[David Vaughn]

Yes...that was his last excellent film. I totally forgot he directed that! Granted, it was five years ago. Here are all of the films he has directed:

The Mule 

 2018

The 15:17 to Paris 

 2016

Sully 

 2014

American Sniper 

 2014

Jersey Boys 

 2011

J. Edgar 

 2010

Hereafter 

 2009

Invictus 

 2008

Gran Torino 

 2008

Changeling 

 2006

Letters from Iwo Jima 

 2006

Flags of our Fathers 

 2004

Million Dollar Baby 

 2003

The Blues (TV Series documentary) (1 episode) 
- Piano Blues (2003)

 2003

Mystic River 

 2002

Blood Work 

 2000

Space Cowboys 

 1999

True Crime 

 1997

Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil 

 1997

Absolute Power 

 1995

The Bridges of Madison County 

 1993

A Perfect World 

 1992

Unforgiven 

 1990

The Rookie 

 1990

White Hunter Black Heart 

 1988

Bird 

 1986

Heartbreak Ridge 

 1985

Amazing Stories (TV Series) (1 episode) 
- Vanessa in the Garden (1985)

 1985

Pale Rider 

 1983

Sudden Impact 

 1982

Honkytonk Man 

 1982

Firefox 

 1980

Bronco Billy 

 1977

The Gauntlet 

 1976

The Outlaw Josey Wales 

 1975

The Eiger Sanction 

 1973

Breezy 

 1973

High Plains Drifter 

 1971

The Beguiled: The Storyteller (Documentary short) 

 1971

Play Misty for Me 

[AVSCraig]

I watched " The Mule " last night and I thought it was very good. But I tend to like character studies ( Hostiles, Phantom Thread etc. ) and I don't think that's your cup of tea Dave. I'll watch this a couple more times for sure. The picture on my RS4500 was absolutely amazing. Great cast too. 

[David Vaughn]

I watched " The Mule " last night and I thought it was very good. But I tend to like character studies ( Hostiles, Phantom Thread etc. ) and I don't think that's your cup of tea Dave. I'll watch this a couple more times for sure. The picture on my RS4500 was absolutely amazing. Great cast too.

Craig,

You're probably right regarding the story. Wasn't the opening scene jaw-dropping in its detail and beauty? 

[AVSCraig]

Craig,

You're probably right regarding the story. Wasn't the opening scene jaw-dropping in its detail and beauty?

It was, and some of the " road trip " scenery was stunning too. I do think Clint was perfect for the part, and the " old codger " not knowing how to text was funny. Reminds me of my father in law !:)

[David Vaughn]

It was, and some of the " road trip " scenery was stunning too. I do think Clint was perfect for the part, and the " old codger " not knowing how to text was funny. Reminds me of my father in law !:)

I liked Clint's role, but to think he didn't know what he was doing initially is a bit naive. Not a bad movie, but not Clint's best either. 

[AVSCraig]

I liked Clint's role, but to think he didn't know what he was doing initially is a bit naive. Not a bad movie, but not Clint's best either.

I didn't see it that way. The way I saw the movie unfold, he knew he was doing something illegal, but needed the money and chose to turn a blind eye to exactly what he was transporting. He saw the money as a way to regain respect with friends and family. He didn't care what he was transporting once the big wads of cash rolled in. Was it weed , or guns ? The " oh crap " moment when he looked in the bag, could be a sudden realization of " oh crap - that could be a lot of prison time if I get caught ". Plus, who's to say there wasn't a bit of dementia going on at his character's age. Anyway, here are two interesting articles about the real story - 

https://www.indystar.com/story/news/2018/11/26/mule-clint-eastwood-movie-true-story-leo-sharp-earl-stone/2112779002/

http://www.historyvshollywood.com/reelfaces/the-mule/