In The Mule (based on a bizarre true story), Clint Eastwood portrays Earl Stone, a 90-year-old horticulturalist who mistakingly put his work before everything else, fracturing his relationship with his family. Most infamously, he missed his daughter Iris' (Alison Eastwood, his real life daughter) wedding, opting instead to attend an industry convention where he received an award. Several years later, things only get worse for Earl when his home and business face foreclosure, putting him out of work and hurting for money. Estranged from his ex-wife Mary (Diane Wiest) and Iris, Earl has no place to go. While attending a family party, Earl is approached by a man who claims to know people that will give him work simply for driving his truck. Feeling that's simple enough, Earl unknowingly becomes a drug mule for the cartel, transporting large amounts of cocaine to drop off sites and earning substantial money. But as Earl begins to enjoy the fruits of his new labor, the DEA looks to crack down on the cartel operation, with agent Colin Bates (Bradley Cooper) eager to make a significant bust. The Mule's greatest asset is Eastwood himself, as the Hollywood legend proves that even at age 88, he can still carry a film on his shoulders and be an entertaining presence. His Earl is a deeply flawed individual, but Eastwood is able to make him a likable protagonist with a turn that is both amusing and poignant, depending on what the scene calls for. Especially early on, Eastwood leans into the oddity of Earl's situation, and there's much fun to be had during the sequences where Stone is on the road, singing old pop tunes, and marveling at his sudden change of fortune. As the film progresses, Eastwood handles the more dramatic segments with grace and skill, coming off as a reflective old man filled with regret. And of course, he has moments where the tough and gritty Dirty Harry persona shines through. “Clint Eastwood has been acting for over 60 years, and he still commands attention in every moment of the film,” says Stephen Rebello of Playboy Online. “Clint Eastwood is back at the top of his form both as actor and director in this terrific story inspired by real life,” adds Pete Hammond of Deadline Hollywood Daily. 1:54. Rated R for language throughout and brief sexuality/nudity.