Sun Sentinel Palm Beach Edition
SURPRISING STAR
Here’s where to see his groundbreaking buddy project
“The Peanut Butter Falcon,” a critically praised buddy picture starring Boynton Beach actor Zack Gottsagen, opens in hundreds of theaters this weekend, including 20 in South Florida. Gottsagen, above holding a movie slate signed by the cast, has Down syndrome. He is earning praise from critics, including reviewer Michael Phillips, who said he is as “innately appealing a screen performer as we’ve seen in 2019.”
“The Peanut Butter Falcon,” rated PG-13, also features Shia LaBeouf, at right with Gottsagen, and Dakota Johnson. The film won the Audience Award at the 2019 SXSW film festival. Read Phillips’ review and a list of theaters showing the film on
“The Peanut Butter Falcon,” a critically praised buddy picture starring Zack Gottsagen, a Boynton Beach actor who has Down syndrome, opens in hundreds of theaters nationwide this weekend, including 20 in South Florida.
The film, rated PG-13, also features Hollywood stars Shia LaBeouf and Dakota Johnson among an eclectic cast that includes Oscar nominees Bruce Dern and Thomas Haden Church, and professional wrestling legends Mick Foley and Jake “the Snake” Roberts.
The unknown and unlikely star of “The Peanut Butter Falcon” more than holds his own, according to critics, who have called the film (which scores a 94 on Rotten Tomatoes) a groundbreaking showcase for an actor with Down syndrome.
“Gottsagen is a disarming performer who creates a sweet and funny character,” wrote The New York Times’ Glenn Kenney. Los Angeles Times’ Katie Walsh reviewer called Gottsagen “a performer with natural comedic timing and the ability to deliver funny and unexpected punchlines.”
In the film, Gottsagen plays Zak, a young man with Down syndrome whose family has abandoned him in a North Carolina oldfolks home. One night he escapes, with a goal to reach a wrestling school in Florida run by the ring villain who stars in the prized VHS tape he has worn out watching. He has no plan, no money and, except for a pair of white briefs, no clothes.
Zak soon crosses paths with an angry young crab trapper (LaBeouf ), headed to Florida to escape his own problems. As the journey moves from land to hastily built raft (and unapologetic echoes of Mark Twain), the two form a genuine bond that gives the movie its heart.
Walsh calls the scenes between the two stars “special to watch.”
“LaBeouf brings the soul to ‘The Peanut Butter Falcon,’ while Gottsagen brings the spirit. He has an undeniably charming screen presence, and the actor takes to this starring role with gusto,” Walsh wrote. “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 his co-star LaBeouf.”
“The Peanut Butter Falcon,” which won the Audience Award at the 2019 SXSW Film Festival, among other film festival accolades, was directed by newcomers Tyler Nilson and Michael Schwartz, who met Gottsagen at a camp for actors with disabilities in California. The film was made with two of the producers responsible for the hit indie comedy “Little Miss Sunshine.”
“Money’s useful. But you don’t need ridiculous amounts of it to make a film with interesting characters, compelling actors and a story bringing something old and something new to the table,” wrote Michael Phillips of the Chicago Tribune. “‘The Peanut Butter Falcon’ reminds us of this, while introducing a beguiling screen newcomer, Zack Gottsagen, who has studied acting for much of his life and now has the audience he deserves.”
Of Gottsagen’s performance, Phillips wrote: “Gottsagen is not disabled. He has Down syndrome. He is also as able-bodied and innately appealing a screen performer as we’ve seen in 2019.”
Beginning Friday, “The Peanut Butter Falcon” can be seen in theaters from Royal Palm Beach to Kendall. Some theaters will give initial screenings on Thursday. Here’s where to find it:
Broward County: Regal Magnolia Place 16 in Coral Springs (opens Thursday), Silverspot Coconut Creek Cinemas, Cinemark Paradise 24 in Davie (opens Thursday), the Classic Gateway in Fort Lauderdale, Regal Oakwood 18 in Hollywood (opens Thursday), AMC Sunrise 8 (opens Thursday).
Palm Beach County: Cinemark Palace 20 in Boca Raton (opens Thursday), Regal Shadowood 16 in Boca Raton (opens Thursday), Cinemark Boynton Beach 14 (opens Thursday), Movies of Lake Worth, AMC CityPlace 20 in West Palm Beach (opens Thursday), Downtown at the Gardens 16 in Palm Beach Gardens, Regal Royal Palm Beach 18 (opens Thursday), Cinepolis Jupiter 14 (opens Thursday).
Miami-Dade County: AMC Aventura 24 (opens Thursday), Landmark at Merrick Park 7 (opens Thursday), Regal South Beach 18 (opens Thursday), Cobb Dolphin Cinema 19, CMX Brickell City Center 10 in Miami (opens Thursday), AMC Sunset Place 24 in South Miami (opens Thursday).