Was it just a month ago that we saw "Akeelah and the Bee," the latest inspirational film in which a young person is taught
wisdom and spurred to victory by an enigmatic teacher? And was it not the very same week that we saw "Stick It," in which the ins and outs of amateur gymnastics are perused? It was indeed, and while that is not the fault of "Peaceful Warrior," a somber drama that combines elements of both films, it is hard to overlook how tired and tiresome the movie is. Frankly, if I never see another movie where a mysterious Mr. Miyagi figure offers cryptic Zen-like advice to a brash young grasshopper, I will not consider myself any poorer. Based on Dan Millman's autobiographical "Way of the Peaceful Warrior" and adapted by Kevin Bernhardt, the film begins with Dan (Scott Mechlowicz) as a hyper-confident U.C. Berkeley gymnast. By his own admission, he's the best athlete on his squad, he has excellent grades, and he only sleeps alone when he absolutely wants to. But he's had trouble sleeping at all lately, owing to disturbing dreams and premonitions.
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