For what it’s worth, Cry Macho is the only movie I’ve ever seen that has made me want to see an elderly man get away with child kidnapping.

Cry Macho sees Eastwood’s return to the western culture ever since his supposedly final western with 1992’s Unforgiven. Based on the novel by N. Richard Nash, Cry Macho is directed by and starring Clint Eastwood and written by Nick Schenk, and is the latest feature to join HBO MAX’s wide variety of film and TV shows. 

In the world of gunslingers and cowboys, Eastwood stands tall in the genre thanks to the films and the roles he has brought to life. Unfortunately, for fans and average moviegoers alike, his return to the genre is less triumphant than one may have hoped. 

The film tragically suffers from a pace rivaling that of a snail. Viewers will find themselves waiting for the next big showdown between our protagonists and the film’s secondary antagonist, only to be disappointed by how the payoff is resolved. Seriously, this movie has the worst henchman ever. 

Although there could be an argument made in defense of the film, on how it focuses on the development and relationship between our leads rather than tension. However, even that does not work as well as it could, for the movie is degraded by the lackluster performance of one of our main characters. Eduardo Minett stars as Rafael Polk, and while he may try his best, he falls short of a good performance nonetheless, and is overshadowed by Eastwood in both presence and performance. 

However, there are quite a few things of quality in this movie.

Despite being 91 years of age, Eastwood continuously proves his worth as a director, creating beautiful imagery and scenes between characters, all the while pulling a solid, and oftentimes humorous, performance. The same can be said about many of his co-stars. Fernanda Urrejola makes for a compelling character in her brief time in the movie, and Dwight Yoakam presents an interesting dynamic between both Eastwood and Minett’s characters.

Amidst the quiet atmosphere, the film can also be quite charming. With the absence of stakes, the viewer can be immersed in the small village Eastwood and Minett reside in, watching them go through brief romances, train horses, and bask in simple pleasures, whilst also being captivated by Eastwood’s wonderful arc in finding new purpose.

Overall, Cry Macho is a deeply flawed film that could have been better than it was. For anyone curious, or for any western fans, I would give the film a shot. 

For those concerned, Cry Macho is rated PG-13 for language and thematic elements. 

I give Cry Macho a 3/5.