This film was fine, but for me not quite what i expect from Eastward’s more recent efforts. His acting was good in his laid back style and carried the movie in places, I thought, but I was a bit distracted by the more lackluster performance of a few others. Dwight Yoakum, for example, whose singing I have always enjoyed, seemed to deliver his lines woodenly at times. But I won’t dwell on critiquing here and there. Overall it was watchable. It just seems like it could have shown more spark if Eastward had lit a fire under a few butts during some of the scenes. Maybe by planting that doleful, slow-burn stare on them, hand twitching near the holster that wasn’t there.

A mid Clint Eastwood flick. <em>'Cry Macho'</em> is passable, I had a fine time with it as I got suitable enjoyment. I wasn't overly invested but I don't have any noteworthy issues either. It narrowly gets a 7/10 rating from yours truly. At the age of 91, Eastwood is still acting, directing and producing movies - you gotta admire his longevity! He remains entertaining to watch, having come a long way since that debuting (uncredited) role in 1955's <em>'<a href="https://letterboxd.com/film/revenge-of-the-creature/" rel="nofollow">Revenge of the Creature</a>'</em>. There isn't much to note about the cast behind the lead, though Eduardo Minett and Natalia Traven are alright. I have nothing else to say. It's a satisfactory film.

**_Teaching a boy the ropes of life while traveling through Mexico_** An old-as-dirt ex-rodeo star (Clint Eastwood) is given the task of bringing back the early- teen son of a rancher (Eduardo Minett and Dwight Yoakam respectively) from Mexico City to west Texas in which they have several misadventures. Fernanda Urrejola plays the boy’s mother while Natalia Traven is on hand as a woman they meet along the way. “Cry Macho” (2021) has similarities to past Eastwood flicks, like “The Mule” (2018), “Gran Torino” (2008), “A Perfect World” (1993), “Honkytonk Man” (1982) and “Bronco Billy” (1980). It’s a road movie wherein the characters get to know each other as they go from one experience to another. The nuance here is contrast of one character coming-of-age while the other is coming-near-death. There’s drama, humor, potential violence and a hint of romance. Like “The Mule” and “Bronco Billy,” it’s thoroughly mundane, but also somehow (a little) revelational and heartwarming. "All the Pretty Horses" (2000) is also comparable, as is "Rambo: Last Blood" (2019), just minus the action. The film runs 1 hour, 44 minutes, and was shot in the heart of New Mexico (Belen and Polvadera). GRADE: B/B-