Gran Torino was underlooked because of the sub-par acting. The film otherwise is fantastically paced, and Eastwood carries the film with his performance. He even contributed to the composing of the music, which further indicates the passion and effort he channels towards his films.
Eastwood as a director has accomplished many memorable films including Mystic River, and Letters From Iwo Jima. Hereafter was a let-down, admittedly, but i am certain that his bio portrayal of J.Edgar will make up for it.