Shia LaBeouf will break your heart
Shia LaBeouf delivers his most heartfelt performance yet in the Mark Twain-inspired fable “The Peanut Butter Falcon,” written and directed by Tyler Nilson and Mike Schwartz. Nilson and Schwartz conceived of the film while volunteering at an organization for people with disabilities where they met Zack Gottsagen, an actor with Down syndrome who always wanted to star in a movie.
Gottsagen, a performer with natural comedic timing and the ability to deliver funny and unexpected punchlines, stars as Zak, a young man unfairly confined to life at an old folks’ home. With no family or guardians, Zak has been ordered by the state to live there, though he dreams and schemes of escape plans. He has a singular goal in mind: to travel to the wrestling school of his hero the Salt-Water Redneck (Thomas Haden Church). One night, he makes his escape, clad only in his skivvies, and ends up in the skiff of Tyler (LaBeouf), a rogue, rascally crab fisherman who has his own problems to run from.
LaBeouf brings the soul to “The Peanut Butter Falcon,” while Gottsagen brings the spirit. He has an undeniably charming screen presence. He more than stands up to the task of movie star, and the filmmakers have crafted the perfect vehicle to showcase both his talents and the surprising connection with LaBeouf.
“The Peanut Butter Falcon.” Rating: PG-13, for thematic content, language throughout, some violence and smoking. Running time: 1 hour, 33 minutes. Playing: Landmark; ArcLight Hollywood; Regal Edwards Westpark; Regency Rancho Niguel 8