What would we do without Clint Eastwood? I swear, the guy is becoming a national treasure, his movies (both as actor and director) are so good and just get better and better. Not to mention all those great westerns he was in...but I digress.

First things first: THE DOG DOESN'T DIE.

It's obvious from the get-go that this movie is going to have at least some violence, and I have to say, I was worried about the dog all the way through. So now you don't have to, and you can pay attention to this excellent movie. (Mr. Otter, who is even more adamant about not watching movies where the dog dies than I am, said, nah, I never thought he would kill a dog, he loves dogs.)

Because it is excellent. Even though we all know that this bitter, prejudiced man is going to end up making friends with his neighbors, and they will help each other, it's great to watch. The actors are good, the events are good...and the ending totally surprised me. You kind of know what's going to happen, but I really didn't expect it to happen the way it did. Very satisfying.

Two thumbs up from the Otter Family! Run, don't walk, to your local theater and see this gem as soon as you can.