'Peaceful Warrior' never clears Olympian cliché hurdles

Movies have been adapted from everything from great works of literature to graphic novels, so why not a New Age self-help book?

Lionsgate 'Peaceful Warrior' C- Director: Victor Salva Starring: Scott Mechlowicz, Nick Nolte, Ashton Holmes, B.J. Britt, Amy Smart Run time: 121 minutes Release date: June 2, 2006 Rating: PG-13 for sensuality, sex references and accident scenes. See showtimes On the web Official movie site View the trailer    Trailers require Quicktime Rate 'Peaceful Warrior'   Go see it   Make it a matinee   Wait to rent   Don't bother Voter Limit: Once per Hour View Poll Results

Maybe there are worthy films buried in collections of spiritual homilies, but Peaceful Warrior is not one of them. It is based on Dan Millman's own experiences as a smug gymnast who learns the path to inner peace and better athletic performance from a wily old attendant at an all-night service station. The opening titles insist that this personal growth saga is "inspired by true events," but almost everything that follows suggests otherwise.

The film, directed by Victor Salva (Jeepers Creepers), begins with the Millman character shattering his leg into dozens of pieces. It turns out to be a nightmare of his, an indication of his life being out of whack, but eventually it comes true when his reckless motorcycle driving leads to a leg-fracturing crash that threatens his Olympic hopes. Not helping the film's believability is the cliché-riddled saga of his stubborn struggle back to competing.

Before that, he meets the grease monkey (Nick Nolte). Dubbed Socrates by Millman (played by Scott Mechlowicz, who at least has some gymnastics prowess), the character is likely to remind you of a tall Yoda or maybe Mr. Miyagi from The Karate Kid.