Up on the Roof with Victor Salva

Rating: 7/10 (1 February 2010)

Handsome gymnast Scott Mechlowicz (as Dan Millman) is called "The Lord of the Rings" and seems destined for Olympic gold. Naturally (this being an inspirational story), he is sideswiped by a tragic accident. Although Mr. Mechlowicz is told he'll be lucky to walk again, he eventually wants to resume his athletic career, at UC Berkeley. A sagely supernatural older man, Nick Nolte (as Socrates), helps guide young Mechlowicz to greater understanding, and pretty Amy Smart (as Joy) provides some feminine balance. Paul Wesley (as Trevor) and Ashton Holmes (as Tommy) fill in the jock buddy roles.
"Inspired by true events," from the real Millman's autobiographical "Way of the Peaceful Warrior" (1980), this film version isn't fully convincing. Not to fault Mr. Nolte's performance, but his pontifications become more irritating than inspirational. And, we're never really clued in about where the otherworldly character comes from (certainly not a Texaco service station) - perhaps, "Soc" and "Joy" come from somewhere between Millman's id and ego. Yet, Mechlowicz contributes a strong lead, and the Victor Salva direction is a strength; a high point occurs when Mr. Salva puts Mechlowicz out on a ledge.
******* Peaceful Warrior (6/2/06) Victor Salva ~ Scott Mechlowicz, Nick Nolte, Amy Smart, Tim DeKay