_**Great bits of wisdom with contrivances**_ Based on Dan Millman's hit 1980 book, "Peaceful Warrior" (2006) is reminiscent of "The Karate Kid" and "Dragon: The Bruce Lee Story" albeit with gymnastics substituting for martial arts. It's a worthwhile movie but a dad too formulaic and just seems to lack the necessary mojo to pull it out its pedestrian plotting. Although I enjoyed the constant stream of wisdom that flowed from Nick Nolte's character, "Socrates," the film took a wrong turn with him almost immediately by implying that he had the power to instantaneously levitate 15 feet. From there it gets even weirder. I felt this took away from his character rather than make him more intriguing. Regardless, Nolte does a respectable job in the role and, again, I did enjoy his many gems of wisdom throughout. Some say his philosophies reflects a Buddhist mindset, but I saw Biblical Christianity. For instance: * The stress on service and humility, i.e. servanthood. * "Putting out the trash," i.e. putting off the 'old man' (the flesh) and putting on the 'new' (the spirit). * Random thoughts are not you but they can become you if you embrace them and allow them to control/lead you. * Joy despite the mundane. * Discerning the real spirit of others (in the compassionate sense, although sometimes for protection). * Give to those who ask of you. * Turning the cheek as one's initial response to antagonism (but, keep in mind, you only have two cheeks, facially speaking). And much more. These are axioms, universal truths that are true regardless of one's lineage, culture or present belief system. It's this aspect and the character of Socrates that make the film worthwhile. Other than that, though, the plot mechanics are just too obvious. The viewer's aware of the contrivances just as much as the peripheral actors, who struggle with the material because of it. But the main actors do a splendid job despite these negatives. Speaking of the actors, beauties Amy Smart and Agnes Bruckner are noticeably underused. (I watched the 'deleted scenes' and their screen-time was cut; the fools). The film runs 2 hours and was shot in the areas of University of California, Berkeley, and USC, Los Angeles. GRADE: B-
Haley is a naturally gifted athlete but, with her social behavior, the teen seems intent on squandering her abilities. After a final brush with the law, a judge sentences her to an elite gymnastics academy run by a legendary, hard-nosed coach. Once there, Haley's rebellious attitude wins her both friends and enemies.
16-year-old Kelly quits an elite gymnastics program and moves to Australia. To help out a new friend and show up an old rival she re-enters competitive gymnastics, she'll have to find a way to move forward while making amends with her past.
The true story of Gabby Douglas who becomes the first African American to be named Individual All-Around Champion in artistic gymnastics at the Olympic Games.
Having suffered as a boy under a brutal Communist-era coach, champion Hungarian gymnast Miklos moves to Canada years later in search of a new start - only to find himself unwittingly perpetuating the very same cycle of abuse among his own pupils.
Story about gymnast Nadia Comaneci from her childhood beginning as a gymnast and how she was discovered by Belya Karolyi. Nadia received 7 perfect 10's in the Montreal Olympics.
Robin and her father have a car accident. Her father dies. Robin is badly injured and cannot compete in gymnastics tournaments anymore. She lives with her mother and bad step-father. Robin is accepted to the school athlethics team but is not accepted by some other girls, so she works out at a friends house. Eventually Robin and her team compete in the national scholastic meet.
In 2004, Hope Ann Greggory became an American hero after winning the bronze medal for the women's gymnastics team. Today, she's still living in her small hometown, washed-up and embittered. Stuck in the past, Hope must reassess her life when a promising young gymnast threatens her local celebrity status.
2013. Exiled in Switzerland, Olga, a talented and passionate 15-year-old Ukrainian gymnast, is trying to secure a place in the National Sports Centre. But the Euromaidan revolt erupts in Kyiv, and suddenly her loved ones are involved. While the girl is adapting to her new country and preparing for the European Championships, the Ukrainian revolution makes its way into her life, and nothing will ever be the same again.
Based on the true life story of California gymnast Ariana Berlin. As she zoned in on her Olympic goals, 14 year old Ariana Berlin's life took a sharp turn when she was involved in a debilitating car accident. Gaining her confidence and movement back through learning hip hop dance, she unexpectedly found herself called back to the gymnastics world thanks to world renowned UCLA Coach Valorie Kondos Field. With Val's help, Ariana was eventually able to secure a spot on the UCLA gymnastics team and win an NCAA championship, a lifelong goal that she had always dreamed of. This is a wonderfully inspiring story of persistence, confidence, and the heart and courage to make a somewhat impossible comeback in life.
A trapeze instructor encounters the supernatural while trying to enjoy a beautiful summer day.
Set within the world of competitive gymnastics, Pommel is a coming-of-age drama about the tumultuous relationship between two young brothers as they compete for recognition and approval in an up coming gymnastics competition.