Honkytonk Man Details

Clint Eastwood made this a family affair by featuring his son, Kyle, as the teenage nephew under the spell of an alcoholic country singer returned to rural roots. But that nepotism was as much of a mistake (Kyle's acting is never really up to the demands of the role), however well intentioned, as the idea that Eastwood himself could pass for a vocalist. He can do many things — such as produce and direct himself in this drama — but a singer he's not. This fatal flaw destabilises the whole movie and leaves us with little belief in his character or intentions.

Yet another occasion when the star should have asked for help instead of doing all the chores himself. Not much real entertainment here, just a very few moments that amuse.