‘A WARRIOR’S HEART’ (2011)
It’s more rare than not that I know nothing about the films I plan to watch. I like to know what I’m getting myself into story-wise and as regards content. A Warrior’s Heart is one I knew zip-o about. I went into the video store for something else, spotted this, and much like a Hallmark film, it looked sweet.
A Warrior’s Heart (2011) Film Review
Connor (Kellan Lutz) is a rebel. Passionate about LaCrosse, the high-school senior is benched often for repeated offences and a reputation as an uncooperative team player. But Connor’s world is about to change. His career marine father is moving his family, again. This time the family of four, Connor, his little brother and mother (Gabrielle Anwar), move from the sunny beaches of California to the east coast.
Fitting in at a new school is not easy for Connor, but he’s now in one of the best LaCrosse programs in the country. When the coach proves unwilling to play Connor because of his transfer, Connor learns he must start to demonstrate to everyone that he can play with his teammates instead of against them. Then his father is called up for another tour of duty, only this time, he doesn’t return.
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‘A WARRIOR’S HEART’ (2011). Review of the Ashley Greene and Kellan Lutz teen dramedy. #Movies #MovieArchives #WhattoWatch Share on XTop everything off with a dash of teenage romance between Connor and the “prettiest” girl (Ashley Greene) in school (who also happens to be the coach’s daughter), and this is a typical little angsty drama. Despite this, A Warrior’s Heart is a kind of sweet, but poignant dramedy that promotes healing and forgiveness. The story seems to “grow-up” along with its protagonist, making the movie a decent study. I’ll confess I’m disappointed by some things, mainly the slow pace.
The film starts rough with a voice-over to set up the story. It’s not bad, but the confusion comes in when we see three men running around. In time, all of this explains itself but I still think the opening could have been stronger. Basically, this could have used a little extra nudge to “move along.” There has to be a balance between being too slow and keeping the viewer’s interest. A Warrior’s Heart doesn’t bore me,but it does stumble.
The leads (likely in one of their first post-Twilight roles) give better performances than Taylor’s recent leading role in Abduction. We’re still treated to a fair amount of teenage trivialness but Kellan is actually pretty good (note to casting directors: please start casting actors that can actually pass for a high-school student, Kellan isn’t it). Limited screen time prevents Ashley from really shining but her character is cute with Connor plus another reason this movie jumped out at me was the name Gabrielle Anwar (Burn Notice); seeing her in this role was a real switch; and those who watch her USA show know just what I mean when I say this.
If you are looking for an escape from norm or more of a family movie, check into this one. It isn’t exactly award-winning – technical issues pop up in, but production issues aside, this one is worth looking into. The film demonstrates a triumphant story of a young man stepping up with the help of many to become a man his father would be proud of; the kind of man Connor needs to be in order to enjoy a successful life. There is also a subtle (very subtle) inclination that the story centers on Christianity. A Warrior’s Heart is more of a quiet impact but nevertheless it has something important to say.
Content: there are thematic elements including death. One man is shown with blood spurting from his mouth [briefly], a teen is disrespectful to his elders and young loves share a handful of kisses; the girls’ school uniforms consist of short skirts, and there is some immodest dress at times. There may be a profanity or two but nothing graphic. The film is PG.
Photos: Harlequin Pictures / California Pictures
Thanks for the review!
This kinda sounds like a made for tv disney movie,but that isn't a bad thing.
This actually might have been a televised or direct-to-dvd movie, Ella. I am not sure – I didn't look into that. Whatever the case, it was cute. =)
Is it bad that I recognized Ashley Greene just from a tiny thumbnail leading me to this blog?
I am… far too familiar with the Twilight cast. =P
lol, uh, sorry. Even if this movie is really good, i could never watch Kellan Lutz and Ashley Greene be together… it goes against my Twi-fan instincts XD
Seriously, though, great review — I may check it out =)
xoxo,
Jessica @ Diary of a Beautiful Soul
I've never heard of this. It sounds pretty good.
I think Kellan is great and I hope he continues to get more roles.
I remember seeing an advertisement for this a little while ago, but I didn;t get it. I should give it a shot.
I like Gabrielle Anwar, but Kellan Lutz rubs me the wrong way (and I haven't seen him in Twilight.) I did a movie of his with Mandy Moor and he bothered me the entire time =D
This sounds like my type of movie: nice n' cheesy :)
Charity – I think that is saying something, girl. ;D
Jessica – well… that is still okay. I have never and am not interested in reading/seeing that series but I did find it amusing that Ashley and Kellan starred together. =)
Thanks – and enjoy if you do decide to see this one.
Juju – Kellan was much better in this than Taylor was in Abduction in my opinion.
Do look into this one though. Despite its flaws and sometimes lackluster story-telling, it was interesting.
Ella – I know all about not watching something because you aren't a fan of the cast (my mom is REALLY that way). I can overcome it if the story is good.
Awww! I am sorry you didn't enjoy Love, Wedding, Marriage – I thought it was cute in its quirkiness. Once again, my mom didn't love it though. If you do get this one, I hope you enjoy it. =)
Trinka – those kind of movies are best, right!? LOL! I love sappy movies which is probably why I see so many Hallmark's. ;D
I put it on hold at the library =D So I will let you know what I think. And I did like "Love, Wedding, Marriage…." just not Kellan Lutz. LOL
Cool, Ella! I'll look forward to those thoughts. =)
Love, Wedding, Marriage was a bit… sillier than some rom-coms but I did enjoy it. It is hard when you don't warm up to a leading character, isn't it?! We always say it was a good thing we saw Alan Rickman in "S&S" as Col. Brandon before seeing him in Quigly Down Under. Gosh, he was mean in that role. ;D
Always love your insight and comments, Ella. =)
This looks like a great movie! I think it's neat your whole blog is centered around movie reveiws like this :)
Thank you for your comment on my post about my mom and I going to town! Yes ma'am, I just can't get enough of Starbucks mochas. Yum, yum!
Have a great Thursday!
SoUtHeRnPiNkY.bLoGsPoT.cOm
I enjoyed this one, Memory. It is a bit slow in spots but the fact that it's wholesome is refreshing. =)
Thanks! I often think about taking the blog in a different direction but because I've reviewed movies now for about 5 years, it is easy to just continue with that "theme." Still… occasionally I write a post that may or may not make sense about my view on cultural things. I am SO happy you stopped by, Memory and hope you do so again sometime – I enjoy my visits to your blog; that post ["When we go to Town"] was really sweet. =)