MOVIE REVIEWS
The Peaceful Warrior
Anthony Ocean
Now before I tell you what I thought let me just say that I have read the books by Dan Millman “The Way of the Peaceful Warrior”, and “The Sacred Journey of the Peaceful Warrior”. They are awesome. I am into transformation and these books are amazing. Not only are they right on with, but they really made me think about myself and how being truly in the moment can change your whole perspective.
So on to the movie review. All in all, very, very well done. Now as far as keeping with the tone of the book, it was ok. There is just so much in the book I don’t know how they would have made it all in the film. It did focus more on the gymnastics than the transformational juice that I love. But there was a good amount.
What people need to understand is that when translating something from one genre into another, things can be changed. Example: “X-Men The Last Stand.” I loved it. Because there is NO FUCKING WAY they could have done the entire phoenix saga in one film. The saga spans MANY comics. People, it’s a film, not a TV series in which they can go on and on and on. Film is to make you feel, and be moved. When Professor X died, it rocked my world. Same with this film. It was a great film and told a great story. No, it didn’t follow the book to the word. Get over it and appreciate it for what it is…A FUCKING FILM.
ACTING:
Superb. I never saw Nick Nolte as Socrates, but he does a bang up job. I loved his performance. I must say that it wasn’t a real stretch for him though. Scott Mechlowicz as Dan Millman is awesome. I haven’t seen someone of his age act so well in a long time. He does a great job of being the character, and really moving us. I cant wait to see him in the future. Mark my words, he is going to be a huge star. He not only looks the role, but takes it to another level. I forgot I was watching a movie at points when he was on screen. Great actor. Amy Smart is good in it. She doesn’t have a lot, but when she is on screen she is decent. She is beautiful and she does bring the role of Joy across well enough.
SHOTS:
So for a long time I have been growing SICK AND FUCKING TIRED of the same damn shots over and over. Even Spielberg has been boring me. War of the Worlds was crap for a Spielberg film. Normally you know it’s his film. Why because of his shots. But lately most films have fallen victim to what I call, “assembly line film making”. YOU WRITERS OUT THERE, STOP. THATS MINE AND YOU CANT HAVE IT. Basically what “assembly line film making” is, is this shot done over here, and here, and here, and then fade, and swipe, and cut. BORING. nothing new. I go to see films because I want to be moved by how the team behind the camera works with sound, music, lighting and so forth. Hardly anyone does that anymore. I am sick of it. Well not in this case. Victor Salva delivers some awesome shots. Shots that made me really feel the moment. Shots that made me remember why I love film so damn much. Not just beautiful shots as far as angles, but with lighting too. Damn awesome shots.
In case some of you are wondering what I am talking about since you haven’t seen the film. let me give you an example. “Road to Perdition”. AMAZING film. In just about every single way. But the scene where Tom Hank’s character shoots up the men in the rain. OH MY GOD. I WAS ENRAPTURED BY IT. The camera movement, sound of the rain slowly building after the music. Everything, That is what I am talking about. There are shots in “Peaceful Warrior” where I remember why film is an art form, and something to be admired, and something that can look amazing if given the right direction. Thank you Victor Salva.
So in closing all I have to say is that I thought the film was well done, and I am happy with it. Especially since (just like X-Men) I put aside my beliefs of how I think it should be done, and just watched this artist interpretation of the material. I wish there was a bit more about the transformational stuff, but I can read the book again.
