Skip to main content

The Peanut Butter Falcon ... The journey to make dreams come true

The Peanut Butter Falcon is as interesting a movie as its title seems random. The movie stars Shia LeBeouf, Dakota Johnson, and Zack Gottsagen who all do great in the film. However, a special shout out needs to be said for Zack Gottsagen who is the first Down syndrome actor to star in a full length movie. There is a lot to unpack about this unassuming movie and I think it’s best to begin with the premise. Zack plays a Down syndrome run away who escapes an assisted living home in hopes to pursue his dreams of becoming a professional wrestler. On the other hand Shia plays a runaway criminal who meets Zack and the two of them go on a journey. The movie is filled to the brim with heart, entertainment, and a can-do attitude. I feel the need to draw a comparison to Mud which has a similar premise, but what this movie does differently is shine some light on the possible issues of Down syndrome and what belief can mean for someone.  One huge notion that is ever present throughout the duration of the film is that no matter who you are, and as long as you are determined, you can achieve your dreams. The characters are charming and likeable no matter the situation, and Shia’s and Zack’s friendship on screen is incredible. The movie does tread dangerous territory by addressing the issues of how to treat someone with Down syndrome. With that in mind, I’m glad to say that I never felt that both the character Zak and Down syndrome are addressed with anything but care and respect. Additionally, director Michael Schwartz makes sure to get some great cinematic shots of the Carolinas. I will say that although the movies premise is based in reality, the ending does require a little suspension of disbelief and that can be an issue for some people. In the end I will say that you should watch The Peanut Butter Falcon if you enjoy uplifting movies or want to see the story of a wholesome journey. I personally believe this movie should be watched just to see the performance of Zack Gottsagen who acts incredibly well and to see Shia LeBeouf in one of his more emotional, interesting roles. 


















Comments

Popular posts from this blog

47 Meters Down: Uncaged ... Also 47 points below average

47 Meters Down: Uncaged is another movie in the line of tradition that celebrates the venerated big predator of the sea, the shark. The movie is also an unnecessary sequel to 2017’s 47 Meters Down, but that’s not important or relevant to anything in this film. The movie stars Sophie Nelisse and three other young actresses as they all get into shark infested waters on an underwater expedition gone wrong. Unfortunately, the movie doesn’t want you to see any of that as the visuals are for the most part dark and confusing. On the other hand the jumps scares are well timed, don’t feel cheap, and consistent through out the film. This does not justify the film because a few timely jumps don’t make a movie. The films plot is lazy and although it does have some nice Mayan ruins flavor, the rest of it is completely uninteresting. The film lacks great hefts of dialogue and while I think it’s normal to for characters in a shark film to scream, I was hoping more than a script that I imagine was ha...

21 Bridges ... A grand chase in a single night

21 Bridges star Chadwick Bosman in a lead role as a detective known for being a killer of cop killers. A pair of robbers steal drugs in an unsuspecting job leading to a chase filled with mystery and action. I will say that what this movie really does is put Chadwick upfront as the star and mostly keeps it that way. The movie is straightforward as it begins to slowly unveil and unravel the circumstances of the chase through Manhattan island. The movie's linear nature is only broken up by the cuts of showing the perspectives of the cops and robbers. Overall there isn't anything too novel about the film, but that isn't to say that it's bad. Chadwick Bosman and a decent plot are the real saving graces of the film. It is also well directed and keeps the audience engaged, but it still lacks something to make the movie stand out on it's own. I would only recommend it if you just enjoy chase movies or if you can't think of anything better to watch.

NETFLIX SPECIAL The Irishman

The Irishman is a deep-dive into the underground world of Italian gangsters. It should be noted that when I say deep I mean 3 and 1/2 hours deep. Despite it's length, the movie also has several well known actors. The top 3 that shine in the spotlight among this group are Robert DeNiro, Al Pacino, and Joe Pesci. They all preformed very well with a shot out to Al Pacino for his acting as the role of the famous Jimmy Hoffa. That said while the de-aging of faces is done well, the old stiffer movements of the actors tend to show through the movie editing magic. There is a lot in this movie, not just because of it's length but because it almost functions as a documentary about gangsters after WWII. The movie doesn't have much in terms of comedy, not nearly enough to keep someone laughing for 3 hours. The way it captures the interest of it's audience is by relying on them to pay attention and be fascinated or intrigued by the story they are unraveling. In reality the film is a...