That’s what Ebert called Clint Eastwood’s character in Gran Torino, and it’s pretty accurate, although I don’t remember Dirty Harry being a bigot. Clint Eastwood plays “mean” better than anyone I can think of, and his growl is consistently good for a laugh.

Gran Torino is a very good film. It’s engaging, interesting, and–since it’s a Clint Eastwood movie–well-directed and shot. It often borders on the implausible, but it never quite crosses the line.

Certainly one of the better movies of 2008. I’m glad I caught it.