Movies

Dan Millman (Scott Mechlowicz) is an University gymnast haunted by fears and close to qualifying for the Olympics. He's reckless hard-partying young man. After a nightmare, he goes running and encounters gas station attendant Socrates (Nick Nolte) who may have supernatural powers. Socrates asks him "Are you happy?" He also meets Joy (Amy Smart) at the station. Dan accepts Socrates' offer to train him as a real warrior.Nick Nolte as a spiritual guide is mind-bender. Scott Mechlowicz is OK as a brash young man but Paul Wesley could be better. He doesn't have the likability when he acts like a douche. There is a lot of zen spiritual self-help Miyagi stuff being spewed but it overwhelms the movie at times. I don't particularly like the lead character and I don't particularly get the message from this message movie. It exists and yet it doesn't.

I have seen Peaceful Warrior three times and get more out of it with each showing! Everyone who has come to see it plans on seeing it again and they are bringing more friends. I think this is the summer time "sleeper" hit. It has opened in limited release on the West coast, but will get a wider release in the upcoming weeks. Not only is it entertaining, it is loaded with great messages without being preachy and saccharine-laced. The camera-work, editing, direction, and acting are all first rate. It is clear that this film is a labor of love as opposed to a labor of over the top, slam-bang, car chasing, explosion laced commercialism. If you are looking for a true feel good movie for a change, get out and see this one.

I read the Novel in year 2000. The book literally changed my DNA. There is such magic in the way the story is told it really sinks into your fibers. The movie is exactly the fantasy I saw in my head as I read each page of this inspired book. The biggest thing that hit home is how our Ego can run our lives and trick us into believing it is actually who we are. There is a powerful scene in this film around the above comment on Ego. For that reason alone, it should not be missed and will be remembered for a lifetime.When the student is ready the teacher will appear, and vice versa.I highly recommend it. Kate Romero President-CEO Guardian Angel Ent., Inc. www.guardianangelmanagement.com