When it comes to road trip based plots, the list of films is endless. From classics like “Little Miss Sunshine” or “The Bucket List” to the lovable “Easy Rider” or “My Own Private Idaho”, we’ve seen and enjoyed that similar straightforward plot. A plot where characters meet and discover each other’s inner-self while giving the audience a “feel good” vibe towards the end. So even though the plot doesn’t provide us anything new, The Peanut Butter Falcon cherishes the art of film-making and brings to screen, some heartily written characters.
Starring Shia LaBeouf, Dakota Johnson, and my personal favorite, debutant, Zack Gottsagen, this is a film about pursuing dreams, and valuing friendships in life. If we check IMDb, the plotline reads, “Zak runs away from his care home to make his dream of becoming a wrestler come true.” But the film is certainly much more than that. Zak, (Zack Gottsagen) who has down syndrome, runs away from the rehab to meet his idol, Salt Water Redneck. Being a huge fan of the the sport, he wants to go to the school where Redneck teaches wrestling. Zak co-incidentally meets Tyler (Shia LaBeouf), who is also running away from his people as they both set off on an amazing journey of friendship, dreams, passions and love. They also meet a lot of good characters on their way but detailing any more plot than this would spoil the experience for you. I vouch for this film!
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(Image: © Armory Films)
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Shia LaBeouf, who is today infamous for his tattoo, has already convinced everyone that he is a man with a gifted talent for acting. Be it Honey Boy, Transformers, Fury, or any of his film, he never fails to charm us with his skills and the sheer energy he puts into his character. He plays Tyler, the rough guy who is running away by fighting his colleagues and is debarred of a happy past. And boy, does he not make us fall in love with him! Shia LaBeouf is still one of the most under-utilized actors out there and possesses the ability to carry a whole film alone on his shoulders. But luckily, he does not have to do that here as we have our debutant Zack Gottsagen playing the sweet Zak, who makes sure you have a smile throughout the film.
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| (Image: © Armory Films) |
Zak deserves a special mention as he, unlike most actors portraying down syndrome on screen, actually has it in reality. The writers, Tyler Nilson and Michael Schwartz, met him during a camp and decided to write a film with him as a lead. Dakota Johnson also provides full justice to her role and gives a fresh whiff performance in this fresh film as Eleanor; the sweet caretaker in the rehab who is highly attached to Zak. She is one the finest actresses in Hollywood and be it Fifty Shades or Suspiria, she has been receiving love from her audience since a long time.
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| (Image: © Armory Films) |
The best part of this film is, it doesn’t generate any kind of sympathy for down syndrome, instead we empathize with all the characters and we sort of befriend them on screen. Majority of the credit for this goes to the writers-cum-directors as well as the relaxing camerawork by Nigel Bluck. The sets and the locations, all feel so soulful and add a lot to the scenic beauty of the film. Some screengrabs attached below may very well explain how good the framing and compositions of the film are. Above all, the amazing chemistry between Zak and Tyler, is one of the sweetest I’ve come across in Hollywood.
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| (Image: © Armory Films) |
Overall, this is a film which has the capability of making your day and giving you the space to smile your worries away. So, I definitely recommend you to watch it to enjoy the powerful performances as well as for the sweet little heartfelt message this film explores. Also, brownie points for the soundtrack used in the film, which compels the audience to sit through the credits too (even when there is no post credit scene like Mar.. ahem). It ignited my love for the country songs, hope it’ll make you relax too!
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| (Image: © Armory Films) |
Watch Peanut Butter Falcon and you’ll be invited to my birthday party too! Didn’t get reference? Well, watch the film!
Peanut Butter Falcon Online / Peanut Butter Falcon Movie (Prime)
Peanut Butter Falcon Netflix (US)
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