The Mule

THE GIST: Earl is an old man who lives alone and loves growing lilies, which are also his only source of income. Times are tough for selling flowers, however, and he faces imminent foreclosure. When he's offered cash to deliver some goods, Earl doesn't think twice about it and accepts. He doesn't know, at first, that he's delivering drugs for a Mexican cartel, but he becomes so efficient and so hard to track by the authorities that his reputation grows and so does his income. Eventually, the DEA brings in a new guy who immediately sets his sights on this new and seemingly invisible mule.

Directed by Clint Eastwood, a solid hand behind the camera, The Mule is based on the real story of a Korean War veteran whom Eastwood valiantly portrays.

The cast also includes the always lovely Dianne Wiest, Taissa Farmiga, Laurence Fishburne, Bradley Cooper, Michael Peña, and Andy Garcia.

THE BOTTOM LINE: A rather unbelievable tale that's well told and charmingly portrayed by one of Hollywood's most recognizable names.

Grade: 7.5