Heartbreak Ridge (1986) User Reviews (167)

I know I shouldn't but...

[flynnflon · 8/10 · 7 July 2020]

I effing LOVE this movie. It's probably my greatest (movie) guilty pleasure.

In 1986, I was 10. I was way too interested in war/military based films/TV/books. (Fun-fact: never enrolled, and don't own any guns. I think i was drawn to the uniforms, haha)

I still remember the night I convinced my parents to rent this, at the video store. Believe it or not, this was the first "Clint" movie I ever watched, lol. I figured it would be like the Chuck Norris/Rambo movies, I had watched. Boy, was I wrong.

Even as a ten year old, I had a fondness for the script and the characters. And now, at 44, I'm still enjoying a rewatch, at least 1-3 times per year, haha

Of course, objectively, this is a unimpressive throwaway 80's flick. It's possibly the only movie to use the 'invasion' of Grenada, as a backdrop-or, it certainly was, at the time. It's overtly jingoistic; on par with the 'Red Dawn's', and 'Top Gun's' of the era. It's more of a comedy, compared to a military action movie.

And certainly, in 2020, the 80's humour comes across as dated-that said, I think it's disingenuous to get offended over how things used to be. Just like I think those still using casual homophobic humour today, are being lazy

Despite all this, Eastwood's passive-aggressive ornery character, has some of my favourite quotable lines. So too, does the Ayatollah of Rock'n'Rolla, 'Slick Jones'-played by the amazing Mario Van Peebles.

His Ying to Eastwood's Yang, never gets old. Nor does the rest of the ensemble cast. Everyone from Eastwood's former flame, to his ultra aggressive superior, is wonderfully cast.

Hard to imagine someone coming across this movie, in today's era-but this is a truly a hidden gem.

Vintage Clint!

[djecatepec · 8/10 · 4 August 2003]

Clint Eastwood is at his best in the role of "Gunny Highway." This is mostly a really excellent flick about patriotic values, military camaraderie and old grizzled military veterans. Gunny Highway comes across as the exact fellow you would want covering your ass in any tough situation you could possibly imagine. And Eastwood plays him perfectly with steely resolve, devotion, humor and a healthy touch of irreverence. Its great to see the transformation of Highway's squad, as well as the final moment of judgment for the totally hateful, obnoxious and bureaucratic Maj. Powers. (Oh, if only such b*****ds would get their deserved comeuppance in real life in such a manner, what a beautiful world it would be!)

The only real fault is the attempt to compare a minor police action in Grenada with Vietnam and Korea, "I guess we're not 0, 1 and 1 anymore." I mean, give me a break, Korea and Vietnam went on for years and killed millions! Grenada involved a couple of hundred casualties over a couple of days. Please! But I suppose in 1986 the American people were desperate for some kind of heroes. Its just that that kind of jingoism would have been much more appropriate after Desert Storm than Grenada. That being said, its still a very good movie with a fundamental message about values, loyalty and comradeship that we could easily have more of these days, besides, Clint is just great!

A sharp and "very" witty film.

[mhasheider · 8/10 · 15 May 2001]

Watching Clint Eastwood work his magic on the big screen is something for a movie lover like myself to treasure and in "Heartbreak Ridge", Eastwood really unleashes it here.

Eastwood stars (and directed) the film as Thomas "Gunny" Highway, a very seasoned and highly decorated, but a troublesome U.S. Marine gunnery sergeant. Highway begins what may be his last tour of duty and along the way, he deals with a rowdy and undisciplined bunch of recruits (Mario Van Peebles being the most sarcastic and cocky one among the bunch) and turns them into reliable soldiers, Major Powers (Everett McGill), a higher-ranking officer who totally dislikes Highway, and tries to revive his relationship with Aggie (Marsha Mason), his ex-wife who isn't afraid to tell him about the misery that she has suffered.

The film runs at a brisk pace and Eastwood saves the best scenes for last when he guides the squad into Grenada to find a medical school where the students (mostly Americans) are held captive and the shootouts are well-done. Plus, the humor in this film is sharp and very witty although some of it may be offensive.

"Heartbreak Ridge" does remind me of the one film that I've seen made by the late Samuel Fuller - "The Big Red One". There are a few differences that seem notable, but both films bear a strong resemblance and appeal.

Probably one of the most quotable movies of the 80's

[Rachel-20 · 1 December 2002]

Among my husband and his buddies, this movie is like Shakespeare -- they quote from it often and well, so often and well, in fact, that the quotes are just part of their vocabulary and the source is forgotten. It does have more than its share of witty quips, even for me, a lowly female ;).

I really do like this movie. It makes me miss the 80's, when it was still considered acceptable to be a patriotic American, and movies that glorified America and the military could be made without the felt need to apologize left and right. And of course Clint Eastwood is clever and attractive as always, as the hardcore Marine lifer who's trying to discover his tender side in time to reunite with his ex when he retires.

Sort of like a super-crude modern take on "The Sands of Iwo Jima".

[planktonrules · 7/10 · 26 August 2017]

I enjoyed watching "Heartbreak Ridge" but can also understand why the US Marines disavowed the film. Sure, it was quite jingoistic and patriotic but the language was NOT what the Marines want the public to hear...though in reality that sort of salty and politically incorrect dialog is exactly how the Marines I have known talk!

The film centers around an aging and somewhat anachronistic Gunnery Sergeant, Highway (Clint Eastwood). He's pretty much a tough-as- nails stereotype of a career military man....for good and for bad. His new assignment is a group of (unrealistic) Marines who are worthless jerks. He has to whip them into shape...or see them die should they ever go into combat.

The best way to describe the film is "The Sands of Iwo Jima" with a STRONG Rated-R bent. The language is often crude and offensive (especially in this politically correct era) and it is NOT a film for everyone. But it is enjoyable and well made...and Eastwood's character is one you won't soon forget.

The meaning: How undisciplined are US soldiers?

[Chinesevil · 6/10 · 30 August 2021]

The meaning: How undisciplined are US soldiers? How wild are humans? Silly but entertaining.

Okay movie, but not quite accurate.

[LCPLStu · 7/10 · 19 November 2005]

The movie was fine, but I disagree that there is anything accurate about it. There is absolutely no way any Marines would have had non-reg haircuts, would have talked back to a Gunny. A Gunny would never fire a rifle at a platoon on a PT course, and unlike those in the movie, Marines know to "keep your finger straight and off the trigger until you're ready to fire!". I could go on and on, but then I know I am being too picky. Those are all minor issues anyway, the most inaccurate part is the constant insubordination. It just never happens like it does in the movie - never. When you are part of the Corps, you don't have to look for these errors, you just can't help but seeing them. I liked the movie, I just don't want someone to think it is accurate - although it gets better as the movie progresses. I've been in 8.5 years so far.

Action and comedy in a military setting

[EMC-2 · 9/10 · 28 October 1998]

This is an enjoyable, if somewhat cartoonish, adventure. Eastwood plays Gunnery Sergeant Tom Highway, a career United States Marine who won the Medal of Honor at Heartbreak Ridge in Korea. As he approaches retirement, Gunny Highway takes on the task of transforming a bunch of misfits into a tough Reconnaissance Platoon in time for the 1983 invasion of Granada. The film is uneven, with some moments that are brilliant and others that are embarrassingly bad. The film does not contain an accurate portrayal of Marine Recon, but it does deliver excitement and a good dose of humor. Besides, Clint Eastwood as a salty old Gunny is something that had to happen!

Battle of the wits

[okpilak · 6/10 · 24 November 2022]

Pitting the decades of skill and wits of Eastwood against the witlessness of Recon Platoon. It's a comedy. Eastwood plays a tough as nails old type marine, a relic, nearing mandatory retirement. After getting himself in legal trouble he gets assigned to straighten out a recon platoon, who do not want to play by the book. And it is in his old stomping grounds, so he meets many from his past. Anyone who served, drafted or volunteered, will understand better this movie. Yes, the movie becomes predictable, but the way Eastwood handles it makes this a very enjoyable movie. That the Grenada operation was used to make a point is, in my estimation, a poor choice and unfortunate. A massive number of medals were awarded, though.

Humdrum Hill: where Police Academy meets The Dirty Dozen

[son_of_cheese_messiah · 4/10 · 1 December 2013]

This mediocre film consists of 3 strands very different in mood and content. The great problem with it is that it never reconciles these elements.

The first strand is a cartoonish raw recruits training film containing all the stereotypes we have seen many times before: the wise cracking black one, the well built one, the nondescript one put in to be killed off (maybe?) and of course, the officious Major who hates the guts of the hero, the foul mouthed Gunny Highway as played by Eastwood.

This training has all the verisimilitude of Police Academy, less so actually, since at least the police recruits knew that its not a good idea to threaten your superiors with physical violence as happens here. The scene where the well built Swede, about 7 feet tall and with arm muscles the size of a normal man's chest, is easily defeated in hand to hand combat by the 60 year old Eastwood, is laughably bad to say the least.

That is merely one of many things that would have gotten a court martial in real life; others include almost shooting the Major or firing live ammo at the recruits. All these things would be acceptable in an outright comedy film but the problem is that the comedy is so broad that it undermines the apparent seriousness of the rest of the film.

Gunny's potty mouth runs rampant in these scenes and the film would have been improved by some reining in of this. Less is definitely more when it comes to obscenity. Fortunately he is more verbally restrained during his attempt to rekindle a romance with his ex, the film's 2nd strand. This part has quite a different tone, that of a romantic melodrama. It's OK, but not memorable.

A third strand emerges about 20 minutes from the end. Like Police Academy the recruits must be tested in battle, to show that Highway's unorthodox (and probably illegal, for good reason) methods have really be more effective than the rule book. But whereas in Police Academy the tone remains light, here everything suddenly darkens. The enemy is shown being gunned down, corpses are strewn around and one is even shot at point blank range by Gunny.

Then, one of the recruits is killed- maybe. I say maybe because someone says "don't let him be dead Gunny" and Gunny replies "it's not up to me". This is then never mentioned again and the apparent death of one of their pals does not dampen the celebratory mood.

I do think this film would have better if those involved had decided what genre they were making. Is it meant to be a broad comedy or a serious film with comedy interludes? A less lazy script and tighter editing would have helped. As it is, it is more Humdrum Hill than Heartbreak Ridge.

Excellent Eastwood movie

[SMLA11 · 10/10 · 25 May 2002]

When I first started to watch Heartbreak Ridge, I expected another Clint Eastwood kicking but in some war movie. I was right, but I was wrong expecting this to be bad. Clint Eastwood is great as Tom Highway, a gunnery who must train troops and prepare for Grenada. He gives an excellent performance and he shows who his character really is and how good it is. Mario Van Peebles does really good as Stitch Jones. He shows his character well and I enjoyed it. The war part, which came mainly at the end, was cool enough. The directing was really good and all of the other actors were good.

Overall this movie is very cool and I recommend it to any Clint Eastwood fans. Rating 10 out of 10.

Eastwood makes this film or it would break

[mm-39 · 7/10 · 11 April 2002]

This film would be forgettable, if not for Eastwoods performance. Eastwood is a strong actor, and the character he plays is made for this film. Its funny, exciting, and very military. Peebles, and one the combat scenes is too over the top. I guess this is for contrast in the film. I will enjoy watching this film a second time, and give it a 7 out of 10

How about just a LITTLE realism?

[BIG MIKE-45 · 5/10 · 2 November 2001]

I normally don't complain about the realism of Hollywood's portrayal of the Armed Forces in it's movies, but this one is just too far out of bounds to let go. Marine recon units are the equivalent of Navy SEALS or Army Rangers. They are elite units, and discipline is strict. Back-talking your superior, whether officer or enlisted, is not tolerated a bit, and would not be attempted by junior enlisted men. Right away, you would have eliminated about half of the dialogue in this movie. Oh, well... They did get one thing right, though. Winners of the CMH (Congressional Medal of Honor) never have to salute anyone. They will always be saluted first, and will return the salute.

one of the most HILARIOUS war movies ever!!

[mccarthystuart · 21 December 2004]

I have to say that I really enjoyed watching this movie.

The grizzled, maverick war veteran, Sgt. Tom 'Gunny' Highway must be one of Clint Eastwood's more comedic roles (apart from the 'every which way' films) He had me bursting out laughing every time he even opened his mouth. One particular line that had me in stitches was when he was telling a cadet to put his Kevlar helmet back on by 1900 hours 'or he wouldn't have a head to wear it on'-pure class!! I've always liked Clint for his tough no-nonsense roles. This one is no exception! As a matter of fact, there were plenty of 'laugh-out-loud moments in this film to keep everyone happy-like the smart-ass remarks from the punk cadets.

The showdown between Highway and 'The Swede' was highly enjoyable, too.

'Heartbrake Ridge' is certainly a lot more lighter and easier to swallow than the similarly-themed 'Full Metal Jacket'.

This film certainly passes as perfectly adequate, undemanding popcorn viewing.

Only for the real Clint Eastwood-fans

[philip_vanderveken · 6/10 · 21 March 2005]

It seems to me that, since Clint Eastwood has won several Oscars with "Million Dollar Baby", some people believe he's one of the greatest directors ever. I admit that his latest work is really very good, not to say excellent, but movies like this one show that he had to go a long way before getting there.

"Heartbreak Ridge" is situated in 1983, when Gunnery Sergeant Tom 'Gunny' Highway (Clint Eastwood) rejoins his old recon unit in the Marines. He's a battle hardened and decorated veteran from the Korean and Vietnam war who will have to train his new unit. But that unit isn't exactly what you expect from a platoon of Marines. They are all lazy and more interested in style, music, drinking and in chasing women, than in training for combat missions, let alone in fighting the enemy. But Highway isn't just the average drill sergeant either and he'll teach them what it is to be a real marine, something that will be very useful when they have to go to Grenada, where they will have to rescue the American citizens and fight the Cubans. In the meantime he also tries to reconnect with his ex-wife, who still sees him as a gun-ho, who has always been more interested in the army than in her...

What you'll see is the typical Clint Eastwood like we know from the Dirty Harry-movies. He's a grumpy macho who doesn't speak much, except with his fists. I'm sure that many people will love that, but I don't like him all that much in this kind of roles. In fact, I didn't like this entire movie... It felt a bit too much like an advertisement campaign from the Marine Corps and not all that much like a movie. If you don't know what I mean: You have the average nonsense of going to battle and beating the hell out of the enemy without getting hurt all too much yourself, the "even one man of us can beat the entire army of the enemy'-feeling, the "Stars and Stripes" waving in the wind and some marching music on the soundtrack to emphasize it all even a bit more. I know that many men prefer this kind of "war movies", but I certainly don't.

Nevertheless, I have to admit that not everything about this movie is bad. I sometimes had a good laugh with it too, especially when he tried to make up with his wife and therefor started reading women's magazines. But overall this movie couldn't convince me all that much and that's why I give it only a 5.5/10. This is only for the real Clint Eastwood-fans.

Eastwood on top form

[Leofwine_draca · 6/10 · 16 March 2018]

HEARTBREAK RIDGE is another hugely enjoyable film from Clint Eastwood, here acting in the dual role of director and lead actor. He plays a tough, grizzled war veteran tasked with getting a rag-tag group of youthful Marines into shape, which he does so via his ultra-tough methods. It's a film very much like Kubrick's FULL METAL JACKET, which came out a year later, but I think it has the edge in terms of enjoyability. Eastwood's naturally hard-ass character feels like a direct follow-on from his Dirty Harry and a precursor to his turn in GRAN TORINO. The script is crude but also witty and the lines are barked in just the right way. The rest of the cast are decent too, from bad guy Everett McGill to the cocky Mario Van Peebles, and despite a lengthy running time the pacing doesn't flag for an instant. This may be a predictable film but it's also one that screams fun and entertainment.

Clint stands out as an aging Marine recon sergeant who's put in command of a young platoon

[ma-cortes · 6/10 · 26 September 2022]

Starred and directed by Eastwood who whips this old story into shape too , with a stunning acting of a man who's given everything to the Marines . Set in 1983 , stars a hard-nosed, hard-living Marine named Thomas Highway (Clint Eastwood) who has seen action in Korea and Vietnam , he is a tough and relentless Gunnery Sergeant . His experiences have led him to become an opinionated , no nonsense man, his current rank is Gunnery Sergeant and due to his indiscipline he will never be promoted to military officer .He is prone to sudden bursts of violence, especially when he's drunk, if the situation does not suit him, regardless of the specifics or people involved. Highway is a macho military dinosaur attempting to be sensitive 80s kind of guy . He used to clash with his superiors (Everett McGill) and his ex-wife (Marsha Mason) , as he takes command of a spoiled recon platoon with a bad attitude. He is put in command of a rebel platoon to whip them into shape to prepare them for combat in subsequent battles. Then Grenada island becomes the subject of cinematic war heroics ...The scars run deep..

A strong and hilarious story of a two-fisted Marine Sergeant whipping a hopeless-looking unit into a crack fighting team is still compelling but overlong . Although the picture could use some trimming , it is passable and acceptable , but boring , at times. There are some spectacular battle scenes , but the invasion of Grenada , though , is not epic material. Actually , the most intriguing element of the movie is the rocky love story between Clint Eastwood and Marsha Mason who performs his skeptical ex-wife . Clint Eastwood is nice as a well-decorated career military man in the United States Marine Corps. Clint is both a really tough macho man and touching at times.

The motion picture was professionally directed by Clint Eastwood , though it has some flaws ,failures , shortcomings and a lot of profanities . Clint Eastwood played and directed good Westerns as ¨High Plains Drifter¨, ¨The outlaw Josey Wales¨ , ¨Bronco Billy¨, ¨Pale Rider¨ and ¨Unforgiven¨ .These films along with the filmed in the 2000s as ¨Invictus ¨ , " Changeling" , ¨ Million dollars baby ¨, ¨Mystic river ¨, ¨Gran Torino¨; make that the dramatic force of this great director turns outs to be breathtaking and impressive . Rating : 6/10 . The flick will appeal to Clint Eastwood fans. Well worth seeing.

A deeply touching movie.

[stevebyars · 10/10 · 12 March 2006]

Not sure I know what a spoiler is, but you could read the script of this movie and still enjoy watching its great collection of actors.

Beyond the story actually being told, this movie provides the viewer with some insight to the military mind and persona. Including real Marines on the cast wasn't truly necessary, but provided an additional level of realism. The marital and drinking problems common among servicemen (especially "lifers") are richly shown in this highly realistic drama. The movie locations will be recognized by many Servicemen, ex-Servicemen and their dependents. Likewise, the action will be all too familiar.

Clint Eastwood portrays a hardened, grizzled old-time Marine who transfers into a training battalion, only to be confronted by an old-time rival and a commander who will top your list of people to despise, especially if you were ever in the service.

Besides being sad, funny, and entertaining this movie is quite true-to-life. Watch it once to enjoy a really good movie. Watch it a second time for the education it can provide.

Oh, in validation: I wasn't a Marine. But I was an FMF attached Corpsman.

Clint Eastwood does John Wayne

[SnoopyStyle · 6/10 · 8 March 2014]

Highway (Clint Eastwood) is a hard-nosed Korean and Vietnam war veteran. After the latest drunken rampage, he gets his wish and gets sent back to the Second Recon Battalion, Second Marine Division. His new CO is the strict arrogant Major Powers (Everett McGill) who has never seen conflict. He's given a bunch of malcontents to lead. His platoon leader is the nerdy bookish Lt. Ring (Boyd Gaines). He needs to get his squad into shape and then they are sent into Grenada to rescue university students.

Director Clint Eastwood breaks out all the clichés. He does it well. It is all gung ho militaristic rah rah. The most memorable part of the movie is the T-shirt bit. It's a relatively fine John Wayne movie. It's not really trying to be more.

Breaks the hearts of every Marine

[jackjack-2 · 2/10 · 10 August 2003]

Another fantasy movie about Marines. Any resemblance to the truth is pure coincidence. First, recon platoons are not part of regiments or battalions. Recon platoons are part of the Division Headquarters. Recon platoons are made up of the best of the best and no recon platoon would have ever looked as sloppy as this one did in the beginning.

Second, companies are commanded by captains, not majors. When the major reported to the colonel as "Graduated from the Naval Academy, 1971" would never happen. The colonel already knows the major's background.

Also every Marine knows the Medal of Honor ribbon and every one seeing the Gunny with the ribbon would have immediately recognized that he was a Medal of Honor winner and would have immediately given him the highest respect, including the Major. The Major would have been so glad to have the Gunny in his outfit that he would been kissing his butt.

As for the Gunny firing an AK-47 at his troops to get them accustomed to hearing it fire - pure fantasy. He would have been busted out of the Marine Corps if that happened. What he would have done is take his troops to a firing range and under controlled conditions fired the weapon down range. This is done often with units to familiarize them with the sound of enemy weapons.

As for the accidental firing on the shooting range, unlikely. By the time a Marine is selected for a recon platoon, he is already highly trained in weapons and he is not likely to make a boot camp mistake.

I could go on and on about what a crappy movie this is but enough is enough.

One of Clint's Finest

[requestform · 10/10 · 21 November 2005]

Being an avid Clint Eastwood fan since the age of 4 (thanks Dad!!), this is one of my favourites. It's ability to be tongue in cheek whilst being comically accurate is brilliant. Highway's one liners are some of Clint's best, and although this film isn't entirely serious, it is based on what the military unfortunately is really like without being too heavy. Love it, love it, love it, and I defy anyone to take this film too seriously, and not feel the same. My favourite line has to be, when Highway is lying in a police cell, having been arrested for being drunk and disorderly after an argument with his ex, corporal Jones is pushed into the same cell after causing a brawl - out of the shadows comes Highway's low drawl "You can rob me, you can starve me, you can beat me, and you can kill me....just don't bore me". Genius.

No easy push over.

[lost-in-limbo · 6/10 · 22 May 2010]

This might not have been one of my favourites by Clint Eastwood, but as it is it remains purely macho entertainment with plenty of crude quips and Eastwood chewing up the scenery with his no-bull attitude. At times it was amusing to wait upon what degrading comment would come out of his mouth towards his rebellious recruits or higher ranking officers. Eastwood as the tough, grizzled and razor tongue Sgt. was perfect for the role.

Gunnery Sgt. Tom Highway is a highly awarded relic of past wars, but is finding himself constantly in trouble with the law with his boozing ways. He's given one more chance which sees him heading back home to train-up a ramshackle recon platoon, while aggravating superiors and hopefully reuniting with his ex-wife.

Very formulaic, but reactionary new breed vs. old dinosaurs format where the times have changed, but when it comes down to it war is war… where rules and polices count for nothing when you're trying to survive. Back to traditional planning, which makes a difference when you got someone who knows what they're doing? The platoon's attitude at first is rebellious, until Sgt. Highway puts them though the ringer to show what they can achieve and from this they learn to respect him over time because of what he sees in them… despite what other officials have in mind. Most of the film/or narrative spends with Eastwood clashing with superiors, training/motivating his recruits and trying to rekindle his relationship with his ex by trying to understand her. So after the 90 minute mark, the combat hit's the screen and this is where the recruits are thrown right into it with their yahoos being silenced as what they experience truly humbles them. It opens up their eyes to the fact that war isn't games and heroics but looking after your fellow mates by making the right decisions. The exhilarating gunfire is well implemented, but does lack the punch.

Eastwood keeps it nitty-gritty with his economical direction, if maybe a little too long-winded in its length. James Carabatsos's thinly plotted material can play up some comedy elements, but they do fit to what's happening around it. There's also a good commendable cast to boot. Everett McGill as a Major going at loggerheads with Eastwood was a great sight. Mario Van Peebles is quite colourful as one the recruits and Marsha Mason has a lot bite as the ex-flame. There's quite likable support by Eileen Heckart, Arlen Dean Snyder, Boyd Gaines, Tom Villard and a small part for Bo Svenson.

Eastwood Military Action.

[AaronCapenBanner · 5/10 · 16 September 2013]

Clint Eastwood plays gunnery sergeant Tom Highway, a tough but rogue military man(and occasional alcoholic) who is often in trouble with his superiors, when he isn't getting in bar fights. He has a distinguished war record(Korea & Vietnam) that gets him some begrudging respect from his colleagues. He is given one more assignment: to train an unruly and disorganized young platoon into shape, before they are sent off into action.

Eastwood is believable as the profane and ultra no-nonsense sergeant, but this film is ultimately too long and predictable to succeed, and strangely resembles "Stripes", just from the military's point of view! Still, it does contain good(if familiar) action scenes.

Clint's funniest

[wrenster · 13 March 2003]

I had forgotten how funny this film really is. Shown on British TV last night, I found myself laughing like a loon all the way through it. Being a big fan of Eastwood, it's been quite a while since re-viewing this mini classic. And although it does take a drastic turn at the end, with a slightly misjudged comment on war, this is by far his funniest movie.

I also found that his character is his most interesting. A hard, no-nonsense gunnery sergeant who looks for advice in women's magazine is a dream characterization. And the one-liners are perfectly attacked.

I did find Mario Van Peebles character a little annoying, but then I suppose that was the whole point, and it's always good to see Marsha Mason, who I think is totally underrated as a screen actress.

But this is Eastwood's movie, through and through and a real delight. See it, but don't take the ending too seriously.