The Peanut Butter Falcon

I was worried that after taking an intro to disabilities studies course my opinions regarding this film would alter. However, this remains one of my favorite movies.The film begins with one of the main characters Zak, a 22 year old with down syndrome, being held at a nursing home due to his family abandoning him. In the first scene, shows that this film will have a comedic sense that only helps to portray disability in a positive way. Zak tries to escape by plotting with one of the old ladies at the nursing home to pretend to choke while Zak makes a run for it. While Zak tries to escape, one of his caretakers Eleanor runs after him and sends him back. Due to his multiple attempts she is forced to label him as a “flight risk.” Zak tells Eleanor, who he regards as a friend, that he wants to leave in order to fulfill his dream of meeting his idol, a wrestling trainer, and becoming a wrestler. However, Eleanor sees him as someone who is incapable of surviving on his own as a result of his disability and refuses to let him leave considering the state will not permit it. Carl, an old man at the nursery helps him escape. As he adjusts to the feeling of freedom he runs into another main character, Tyler, who has his own set of problems to face. Tyler is a protagonist who ironically is in deep debt with man named Duncan and is struggling with the loss of his brother who he killed in a car accident. Nevertheless, Tyler has a good heart and after saving Zak from both bullying and drowning, he allows Zak to tag along with him on his journey. As they spend time together, Zak’s innocence and positivity enables them to become good friends. Tyler treats Zak as a friend rather than a liability and supports his dream of becoming a wrestler which later in the film he chooses the wrestling name “peanut butter falcon.” During this period, Eleanor is in search for Zak. When Eleanor catches up to Zak and Tyler, her initial goal is to bring Zak back to the nursing home. Albeit, she changes her mind when she gets a call from her boss about transferring Zak to a rehab facility and when she finally sees that Zak is more than capable of living his life. At the end of the film, Zak fulfills his dream as “the peanut butter falcon,” by being trained by his idol, beating a man in a ring using an impossible move called the “atomic throw,” and living a normal life with the family he formed with Tyler and Eleanor as they all have conquered their barriers.This film demonstrates a unique and interesting plot; it is successful in its integration of disability. To begin with, the actor who plays Zak truly is someone who has down syndrome which overall helps increase the inclusion of people with disabilities in film. In addition, the film portray disability in a positive way by depicting Zak as an intelligent, innocent, and lively person with dreams like everyone else. Through his character development in the film, the directors give Zak a voice and enable his story to broadcast multiple issues that people with disabilities face. The first issue is the way the government directs states to place people with disabilities who do not have a family in nursing homes. Instead of educating them on how to live their life as normal people, they place them with elderly people in nursing homes. Society treats people with disabilities as incapable of any sort of achievement. However, this film teaches otherwise both in the movie itself and through the actor Zack Gottsagen playing this character.Using the term “supercrip” as Eli Claire explains it in the book Exile and Pride, some people may argue that this film deserves a bad rating because it is a typical “supercrip” story; they may argue that this film is built on the idea that achievement challenges disability and that because Zak succeeded and contradicted his disability he is a hero. However, the film does something extremely important that saves it from making this mistake. The film centers all three zak, tyler, and Eleanor as main characters who are all hero’s because of one reason: they all have good hearts. It does not single out Zak as a hero for being able to do the “atomic throw” even though he is disable, he is able to do it because he believe in himself.There is one extremely important scene in the film where Zak speaks to Tyler about how he wants to be the “bad guy” because his family left him. Tyler explains to him that even good guys get left behind but it does not matter because they have a good heart. Tyler tells Zak that regardless of his coach at the nursing home calling him a “retard,” he is a good guy because he has a good heart, Zak can be a hero because of it. When Zak asks Tyler if he is a good guy, Tyler responds “I don’t know,” remembering how he killed his brother Marc in a car crash. The film is not only about Zak overcoming the societal barriers that prevent him from living his life, it is also about Tyler learning to open up to people again after the death of his brother, and about Eleanor learning that just because the state thinks Zak should be in a nursing home does not mean that he actually needs to be.Furthermore, the film broadcasts the use of “nice words” and “nasty words” as an American author, Simi Linton, puts it. Through the use of nice words, society is what creates a barrier for disabled people, not their disabilities. Like Simi Linton points out, going to barns and nobles “the challenged” has a section for books called “down syndrome” and “epilepsy.” The movie shows first hand how society views people with disabilities, as people who are challenged and are unable to do anything on their own. The way Eleanor acts in the beginning symbolizes this when she finds Zak and rushes to put a shirt on him instead of letting him do it himself. Although there is no problem with providing assistance to those who need assistance, society tends to discourage people with disabilities from trying to do anything on their own by locking them in a cage. The movie shows this and highlights it as an issue. When Eleanor finally stops babying Zak she represents the growth that society needs to undertake in the context of people with disabilities.Finally, the blatant usage of “nasty words” in an offensive way helps add to the negative voice of society that shrinks people with disabilities into feeling useless. Zak felt that he couldn’t be heroic because his coach would call him “retarded.” However when Zak’s opponent in the ring called him by that term and Zak picked him up and threw him out of the ring, it represented him overcoming his the offensive strain of society and the usage of nasty words.The reason this film is successful in regards to disability is because it is not about Zak overcoming his disability, something that many films seem to believe is the problem at hand. Instead, the film is about overpowering the obstacles that society forces on people with disabilities and forming relationships that encourage one to live life to the fullest regardless of whether one is able-bodied or disabled.

"The Peanut Butter Falcon" is a charming and inspirational film that celebrates the power of friendship, determination, and the human spirit. Directed by Tyler Nilson and Michael Schwartz, this 2019 movie is a delightful blend of humor, adventure, and heartfelt moments that will resonate with viewers long after the credits roll.The story follows Zak, a young man with Down syndrome, brilliantly portrayed by Zack Gottsagen. Zak escapes from a care facility with dreams of becoming a professional wrestler, inspired by his idol, The Salt Water Redneck. On his journey, he meets Tyler, a troubled fisherman played by Shia LaBeouf, who becomes an unlikely ally. Their chemistry is the heart of the film, with Gottsagen and LaBeouf delivering performances full of authenticity and warmth. Their bond feels genuine and evolves naturally, creating some of the most touching scenes in the film.Dakota Johnson also shines as Eleanor, Zak's compassionate caregiver, who joins the duo on their journey. Her character adds depth to the story, portraying the struggles and responsibilities of caring for someone with special needs with grace and empathy.The film’s setting in the picturesque landscapes of the American South adds a rich, atmospheric backdrop to the story. The cinematography beautifully captures the natural beauty of the rivers, forests, and small towns, enhancing the sense of adventure and freedom that Zak and Tyler experience. The visual storytelling complements the narrative perfectly, making the journey feel immersive and real.One of the standout elements of "The Peanut Butter Falcon" is its ability to balance humor and emotion. The script is filled with witty dialogue and lighthearted moments that will make you laugh out loud, while also delivering poignant scenes that tug at your heartstrings. The film’s pacing is well-crafted, allowing the story to unfold in a way that keeps you engaged and invested in the characters' fates.The soundtrack is another highlight, featuring a mix of folk and bluegrass music that perfectly matches the film's tone and setting. The music enhances the emotional impact of key scenes and adds an extra layer of authenticity to the overall experience."The Peanut Butter Falcon" is more than just a feel-good movie; it’s a testament to the importance of following your dreams and the incredible strength found in unexpected friendships. It tackles themes of acceptance, resilience, and the pursuit of happiness with a heartfelt sincerity that is both refreshing and uplifting.The Blu-ray/DVD release includes special features such as behind-the-scenes footage, interviews with the cast and crew, and a look at the making of the film, providing fans with deeper insights into the creative process and the real-life inspiration behind the story.Overall, "The Peanut Butter Falcon" is a beautifully crafted film that offers a perfect blend of humor, adventure, and heart. It’s a movie that will leave you smiling, inspired, and perhaps even a little tearful. Highly recommended for anyone looking for an uplifting and memorable cinematic experience!

One of the best movies I've ever seen

Heartwarming, inspiring adventure

Great movie, was actually surprised how good this film was.

Good