'The Peanut Butter Falcon' - A Movie Review

Everyone has a story to tell. Grab your raft and let’s take the adventure of a lifetime.

The Peanut Butter Falcon is a story about Zak, a young man with down syndrome, who dreams to become a professional wrestler. Escaping from his care home, Zak meets Tyler. Reluctant at first, they become friends, running from their pasts and the law in search of self-identity.

I enjoyed this movie from beginning to end. The Peanut Butter Falcon is a heartfelt movie about friendship, self-identity, and adventure. It’s not about disabilities or traumas from the past. Instead, the film is about embracing your passions and putting aside roadblocks to living life.

Zack Gottsagen’s energy, charisma, and witty humor was the heart of this film. I laughed out loud so many times because of his excellent delivering and clever improvisations. Gottsagen is a role model for those with down syndrome or any disability. No matter the roadblocks, you can push yourself to new levels to find your passion. Gottsagan is a natural and I hope to see him in more films down the road.

My favorite trait about Shia LaBeouf’s portrayal of Tyler is how closed-off he was from Zak until forming a strong bond with him. He regains his confidence while he still has his flaws. His broken past is subtle and only touched on for a couple of scenes within flashbacks. Those brief flashbacks immediately sold Tyler’s character and why he didn’t automatically grow into his friendship with Zak. Everyone deserves a second chance.

Dakota Johnson had more to do than I suspected upon watching the trailer of the movie. As Zak’s caregiver, Eleanor learns to let go and trust Zac. Her sarcasm with LaBeouf was great especially the first time he attempts to flirt with her in the market. I especially enjoyed her confrontation with Tyler on the raft fighting over right and wrong, along with how to treat Zak.

John Hawkes, Thomas Haden Church, Bruce Dern, John Bernthal, Michael Berthold, and so many talented actors created meaningful performances whether they were here to support Zak or chase him away from his dreams.

Where has Wayne Dehart been and why have I not seen him in more films? His moving, sarcastic, and philosophical performance as Jasper the blind man was one of my favorite parts. Aside from adventure and friendship, The Peanut Butter Falcon is a very deep film.

All the characters are holding onto something from that past that is holding them back from enjoying life. One of my favorite scenes is when Zak and Tyler discuss what makes a person good or bad. What makes someone good? What makes a person bad?

It’s been a long time since I have watched a movie with the characters running away from danger on a raft, rather than on foot. While most of the film has Tyler and Zak hiking through tall grass or along the roads, they created a raft to sail through the water. The scenery is beautiful and sets the tone of the adventure.

Tyler Nilson and Micheal Schwartz did an excellent job on the direction and writing for this open-minded film. Go on a worthwhile adventure. Whether it’s swimming across the water or watching your favorite movie over and over to the point that you can memorize all the lines, have a story to tell.

The Peanut Butter Falcon opened my mind about society and people. Don’t judge anyone just by their past or disability. You can learn a lot. It is a beautiful movie that you have to see in theaters. I enjoyed every moment of this original story along with the incredible actors who gave it its heart.