Clint Eastwood is an icon. There's no doubt about that. The guy has done it all, but lately, I've become increasingly disappointed in his directing efforts. I did enjoy Space Cowboys to a certain degree, but Absolute Power, True Crime and Midnight In the Garden of Good and Evil didn't work for me. If anything, I found them to be tediously paced. The new film Blood Work isn't exactly tedious, but it suffers for different reasons.

Blood Work finds Eastwood playing an FBI agent who retires from the force because of severe heart problems. A new heart gives the veteran a new lease on life but an unexpected visitor convinces him to get involved in one last case, putting him and his new ticker at risk.

Eastwood has some vintage moments as an actor here, but ultimately, he's just Eastwood. There isn't a lot of depth to this role. The supporting cast, however, breathes life into the film. Anjelica Huston is spunky and likable as a cardiologist despite limited screen time. Jeff Daniels is fun as Eastwood's lazy neighbor. And I really enjoyed Tina Lifford as a police officer who assists Eastwood on his new case. Paul Rodriguez is laughable as a bitter agent dead set against Eastwood's return. His joking manner offsets what little drama this picture has to offer. Of course I don't blame Rodriguez. He's likable enough, but this character does not belong in this movie.

Eastwood the director knows how to shoot a picture. Blood Work has expert cinematography. The film maker is also good with actors. There is genuine chemistry going on between the cast. The problem is, Eastwood doesn't take any chances. He almost appears bored with the material. This is thriller-by-numbers. Inside of fifteen minutes, I doubt the audience will have a hard time identifying the killer. Now it could be argued that while watching a film of this nature, you're just supposed to kick back and let the story happen--but Eastwood seems to be pushing the audience into figuring out who the bad guy is. We get several shots early on in the film, of the villain in a hooded coat or hidden in the shadows. Eastwood puts so much emphasis on that part of the story, that when the end comes, we're expecting a twist.

Blood Work was written by Brian Helgeland (L.A. Confidential), a screenwriter I really admire. With this new film it's pretty hard to know who to fault. Writing or direction? I think it's a little bit of both. This story takes a straight-forward approach to it's thriller sequences, but it builds no drama and offers no surprises. The love story is completely underdeveloped and unrealistic, and the obvious climax fails to deliver. This movie just never really comes together, despite a good cast and an interesting premise.

In my eyes, Mr. Eastwood is still a legend. I just wish he'd challenge his audience more. The last film he directed that really impressed me was The Bridges of Madison County. That movie had an emotional core and real drama. Hopefully, he'll take more chances with his next project.