Peaceful Warrior

Based on Dan Millman's best-selling novel, Peaceful Warrior is the story of a college gymnast with aspirations to compete in the Olympics. On the surface he has everything you could possible dream of: talent, success, friends and girls. And yet with all of that, he is still chronically unhappy. He is challenged when he meets a mysterious stranger named Socrates. Things take a turn for the worse when he's seriously injured in a motorcycle accident. The movie follows his recovery and efforts to return to the sport he loves. As he struggles with physical healing, he also deals with spiritual pain as he seeks the source of happiness.

What makes us happy? Where does happiness come from? Why do we find it so hard to be happy at times? These are worthwhile questions. Honestly, I think this is a fairly widespread issue in our modern society.

This movie's approach to the problem is loaded with mysticism. Socrates (Nick Nolte) apparently has the power to influence the body and mind. The main character, Dan Millman (Scott Mechlowicz), is immediately intrigued when Socrates transports himself in an instant to the roof of a service station. Later both Socrates and a mysterious young woman named Joy (Amy Smart) are able to affect Dan's dreams. Using these abilities they teach him several important life lessons.

What are these lessons? That we will never find lasting happiness in possessions, success or other people. That we are happiest when we understand our purpose in life and pursue it. That our mind and heart influence us in ways we may not comprehend. No matter your spiritual background, this is wisdom you can probably appreciate in your own life.

Most would consider this very much a "New Age" movie. The powers that Socrates and Joy exhibit are never really explained. You could let this trouble you or you could accept that this is a work of fiction designed to entertain. The acting is interesting and the story works well enough. You may find the many unanswered questions vaguely unsatisfying. If you are a fan of gymnastics, you will appreciate several of the routines showcased in the movie.

Overall, the movie left me a little lukewarm. I found enough likeable about it to maintain my interest, but felt the mystical components were a little overdone.

Peaceful Warrior is rated PG-13 for sensuality, sex references and accident scenes. It is directed by Victor Salva and stars Scott Mechlowicz, Nick Nolte and Amy Smart.

An Inconvenient Truth

I have not traditionally considered myself an environmentalist or a supporter of Al Gore. I may now have to rethink my position on those two points.

On the surface this is a documentary about the theory of global warming. It is a film presenting the science that can lead one to believe we are facing a potential environmental catastrophe. Ultimately, it is about a man and the journey through life that brought him to be a leading champion of environmental causes.

My first surprise was former Vice President Al Gore. This is Gore as I personally have not seen him. I have always considered him distant and a bit stiff. This movie dispelled those perceptions. He is funny, engaging and warm. It is clear, as you watch him, that he is truly passionate about the subject matter he is discussing here.

The bigger surprise was how interesting I found this movie. Despite covering complex scientific theories, it remains approachable and understandable. You don't need to be a rocket scientist to grasp the concepts Gore presents. Full use is made of animation and multi-media to turn scientific facts into a fascinating presentation.

There is more to the movie than science, however. The movie also tells the story of the Gore family and the pivotal events that set Gore's course in life. Through it, you will come to understand that he is a man who has discovered his purpose. And he is pursuing it with great vigor.

I don't know what you think about global warming. You may already have an opinion, or you may not. Either way, I would recommend that you see this film and draw your own conclusions. We rely on this small oasis in the universe for our continuing existence. I would be inclined to err on the side of caution. I suspect that reviewing the science that is leading more and more men and women to be concerned will cause you to give the subject deep thought.

An Inconvenient Truth is rated PG for mild thematic elements. It is directed by Davis Guggenheim and stars Al Gore.