A film heavy on heart and light on mood
“Peanut Butter Falcon” is a movie following the story of two lambs on the run, Tyler (Shai LaBeouf) and a boy with Down Syndrome, Zak (Zack Gottsagen).
They are running from different problems. For Tyler, a pair of men he’s wronged. For Zak, the old folks’ home he has been forced to live in.
This story is fun, charming and will be sure to put a smile on the face of anyone who watches it.
The review
If you are looking for a heartwarming movie, this is it. That’s about all you need to know. It’s a great watch for couples or a group of friends, and it’s extremely great for those with a personal connection to someone who has Down Syndrome.
The movie spends quite a bit of time demonstrating that in the end, everyone, no matter what differences, wants to enjoy life. That’s the one commonality that all people have.
Another great trait about this movie is the acting. Every character comes to life and is realistic because of the superb acting.
Also, the swamp/bayou setting adds an extra bit of charm and quirk to the movie as a whole.
Visually, the movie is very pretty with some nice colors. There’s not much for fancy camera work other than a few awesome “looking straight down’”– type shots. It’s kept simple, and for this movie, it’s very fitting.
Overall, I give this movie a 7/10.
The plot summary (NO spoilers)
The movie opens by showing us where both Tyler and Zak are in life. Tyler is a struggling swamp fisher who has recently lost his brother. He’s found himself in some trouble with a rival fisherman, Duncan (John Hawkes) after he destroys some of Duncan’s equipment.
That’s when the chase begins. Tyler hops in his boat with Duncan hot on his trail. However, little known to Tyler, he has a hidden stowaway on his boat, Zak.
Zak is on the run because he’s tired of living in the old folk’s home the state put him, despite the fact he is only 22. They put him there because he has Down Syndrome his family left him behind. Zak doesn’t want to be cooped up and wants to live life.
Specifically, he wants to meet Saltwater Redneck, a pro wrestler and his hero, and attend his wrestling camp.
After Tyler gets away from his pursuers, he finds his hidden stowaway, and they become acquainted. Since they are headed in the same direction, Tyler decides to help Zak reach his destination.
As their journey goes on, the stories get crazier and crazier from almost getting hit by a boat to getting shot at. Will Zak get his dream of reaching wrestling camp?