Who's in It: Scott Mechlowicz, Nick Nolte, Amy Smart, Ashton Holmes
The Basics: A mysterious older stranger (Nolte), full of wisdom and special powers, mentors a college gymnast and nurtures him to greatness. In fact, his special, magical attention even helps the young jock heal a shattered leg. Thanks, handsome older gentleman!
What's the Deal? It's badly directed from a ridiculous script based on a book about an athlete's spiritual journey. Everything out of Nolte's mouth makes him sound like Yoda by way of Kenny Rogers. That's all you need to sink a movie. But there's more …
Meet the Filmmaker: Director Victor Salva (Powder and both Jeepers Creepers films) is, as has been widely reported, a convicted child molester. He served his time in prison, got out and began making movies again. He has just as much right to make a living as anyone else, after all. But …
True Auteurs Are Always Making Movies About Themselves: The same thing that nagged at Salva's other post-prison films is going on here, and that's the recurring theme of the misunderstood outsider, one who is either vilified by society like the kid in Powder or simply a mysterious loner like Nolte's character. Then that outsider is shown to have special sensitivity, wisdom or powers that other people simply don't "get."
Creepiest Line: Nolte tells his always-shirtless young friend about the mentoring process of the ancient Greeks.