The Peanut Butter Falcon
3/4
Starring: Shia LaBeouf, Zack Gottsagen, Dakota Johnson, Thomas Ian Church, Bruce Dern
Rated PG-13 for Thematic Content, Language Throughout, Some Violence and Smoking
A movie like "The Peanut Butter Falcon" depends on the filmmakers's willingness to take extraordinary chances. The tone and emotional temperature of the film must be right or it will fall flat on its face. While it doesn't always work, it does more often than not.
Zak (Gottsagen) is a man with Down Syndrome stuck living at a retirement home simply because he has no one to care for him. That doesn't quell his thirst for life or desire to break free. More importantly, it doesn't impede his obsession with taking pro-wrestling lessons from his hero, The Saltwater Redneck (Church). To that end, he has his roommate pry open the bars to his room (Zak has a history of escape attempts) so he can pursue his dream. Along the way, he meets Tyler (LaBeouf), a man with a dark past, who helps him on his journey. Tailing them is Eleanor (Johnson), Zak's case worker, who has been assigned to retrieve Zak.
"The Peanut Butter Falcon" came about in an interesting way. The directors met Zack Gottsagen at a camp for disabled and non-disabled people and he told them of his desire to be a movie star. The directors dutifully wrote the script around him and cast people who would work for free and without permits. It is a testament to the cast and crew that everyone gives it their all. No one walks through this film, and that's ultimately what makes it work. It certainly doesn't feel like it was done on the first take like "The Kid & I."
Freed from his Disney kid days and playing against metallic robots, Shia La Beouf reminds us that, whatever drama may be occurring in his personal life, he has matured into a strong thespian. On paper, there isn't anything particularly original about Tony. He's a man who has turned bitter and solitary because of a painful event his life. But LaBoeuf plays the character with real heart. Tony's grief and growing love for Zak are palpable. Dakota Johnson is also quite good, showing natural acting ability and effortless presence. Perhaps the only actress who could have done it this well is Jess Weixler. The real find is newcomer Zack Gottsagen. Whatever qualities he showed the directors that convinced them to build a movie around him show on the screen. He is a natural actor who displays considerable range. He can have a career in front of the camera if he wants it.
Tonally, "The Peanut Butter Falcon" is a bit confused. Is this a fable or a more realistic story? There are scenes that argue for both, which creates a bit of a disconnect. The writing also falters from time to time. Usually it's excellent, but there are scenes that ring false because it gets too cute and it is certainly not free from cliches. The film also runs into some pacing problems as well.
At the end of the film I wasn't thinking about the film's problems. I was thinking about three characters I liked. I enjoyed spending 90 minutes with Zak, Tony and Eleanor. "The Peanut Butter Falcon" isn't a great movie and it won't end up on my Top 10 list, but I'm glad I saw it.
Starring: Shia LaBeouf, Zack Gottsagen, Dakota Johnson, Thomas Ian Church, Bruce Dern
Rated PG-13 for Thematic Content, Language Throughout, Some Violence and Smoking
A movie like "The Peanut Butter Falcon" depends on the filmmakers's willingness to take extraordinary chances. The tone and emotional temperature of the film must be right or it will fall flat on its face. While it doesn't always work, it does more often than not.
Zak (Gottsagen) is a man with Down Syndrome stuck living at a retirement home simply because he has no one to care for him. That doesn't quell his thirst for life or desire to break free. More importantly, it doesn't impede his obsession with taking pro-wrestling lessons from his hero, The Saltwater Redneck (Church). To that end, he has his roommate pry open the bars to his room (Zak has a history of escape attempts) so he can pursue his dream. Along the way, he meets Tyler (LaBeouf), a man with a dark past, who helps him on his journey. Tailing them is Eleanor (Johnson), Zak's case worker, who has been assigned to retrieve Zak.
"The Peanut Butter Falcon" came about in an interesting way. The directors met Zack Gottsagen at a camp for disabled and non-disabled people and he told them of his desire to be a movie star. The directors dutifully wrote the script around him and cast people who would work for free and without permits. It is a testament to the cast and crew that everyone gives it their all. No one walks through this film, and that's ultimately what makes it work. It certainly doesn't feel like it was done on the first take like "The Kid & I."
Freed from his Disney kid days and playing against metallic robots, Shia La Beouf reminds us that, whatever drama may be occurring in his personal life, he has matured into a strong thespian. On paper, there isn't anything particularly original about Tony. He's a man who has turned bitter and solitary because of a painful event his life. But LaBoeuf plays the character with real heart. Tony's grief and growing love for Zak are palpable. Dakota Johnson is also quite good, showing natural acting ability and effortless presence. Perhaps the only actress who could have done it this well is Jess Weixler. The real find is newcomer Zack Gottsagen. Whatever qualities he showed the directors that convinced them to build a movie around him show on the screen. He is a natural actor who displays considerable range. He can have a career in front of the camera if he wants it.
Tonally, "The Peanut Butter Falcon" is a bit confused. Is this a fable or a more realistic story? There are scenes that argue for both, which creates a bit of a disconnect. The writing also falters from time to time. Usually it's excellent, but there are scenes that ring false because it gets too cute and it is certainly not free from cliches. The film also runs into some pacing problems as well.
At the end of the film I wasn't thinking about the film's problems. I was thinking about three characters I liked. I enjoyed spending 90 minutes with Zak, Tony and Eleanor. "The Peanut Butter Falcon" isn't a great movie and it won't end up on my Top 10 list, but I'm glad I saw it.
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