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Connor (Kellan Lutz) is a LaCrosse striker in high school with some serious attitude issues. He’s a passionate high school senior, but due to his many misdemeanors, he has a reputation as a poor team player who spends most of his time on the bench. Everything changes when his father, an active-duty Marine, decides to relocate the family one more time. This time he takes Connor, his younger sibling, and his wife, played by Gabrielle Anwar, from the warm beaches of California to the East Coast.
Adapting to a new school is difficult for Connor, but the silver lining is that he now is a part of one of the top lacrosse programs in the country. While he is still learning the ropes, his father is deployed on another tour of duty, which brings me to the current transition. Upon setting foot in the academy, He realizes he must earn his place through effort, instead of trying to outsmart everyone.
At the end of the day, this becomes just another high school drama blended with teenage romance between Connor and Ashley Greene, the “most beautiful” girl at school and the Coach’s daughter. A Warrior’s Heart is a strangely sweet yet emotional dramedy that teaches lessons about healing and forgiveness. The narrative seems to “grow up” with its main character which makes the film enjoyable to analyze. There’s plenty to be taken, and I have to say that the letdowns are there, particularly the pacing.
The film feels jarring at the start with a voice-over to introduce the film. The introduction is made a bit bumpier by the image of three men running around, which does come together eventually but still, goes against my initial thoughts on the start being strong. In some parts, the story feels like it needs a push to “get going.” The balance between being too slow and capturing the viewer’s attention is always a tricky balance to strike, and unfortunately for this film, A Warrior’s Heart does not bore me but stumbles.
They most likely give better performances than Taylor’s most recent leading role in Abduction. We are still subjected to a fair amount of teenage banality but Kellan is actually pretty good. Note to casting directors please start hiring actors who can actually pass for high school students, Kellan is not one of them. With limited screen time, Ashley is not really given the chance to shine, though her character is cute with Connor. Plus, another reason this movie jumped out at me was the name Gabrielle Anwar (Burn Notice). This role was a real switch from what she usually does, and those who watch her show on USA know exactly what I mean.
If you’re looking for an adventure from the mundane or a family film to watch together, check this one out. It’s not exactly an Oscar-winning film – they have their fair share of technical problems. Still, this one is definitely worth a watch. The movie narrates the uplifting tale of a young man stepping up to what everyone expected him to be a father whom his dad would be proud of, Connor needs to to have his life be successful. There also seems to be a very subtle, and I mean very subtle, hint towards Christianity in the plot. A Warrior’s Heart is more of a whisper, but nevertheless, it has something important to say.
Content there are thematic elements concerning death. One man appears with blood spurting from his mouth, A teenager shows disrespect towards their elders, young lovebirds share random kisses, and there are skirt school girl girls as well as rude immodest dress at times. There might be a word or two considered profanity but nothing worse. The movie is rated PG.
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