Tiger Warsaw

Director Chaudhri's foreign birth comes through loud and clear in this mess of a movie. Swayze's Tiger Warsaw has supposedly done something so terrible it has turned his entire family against him, but it's never made clear exactly what this horrible deed was. Peeping Tom, maybe? When he meets up with an old hometown buddy their reaction to each other can only be described as homosexual, but nothing further in that direction develops. There is also another odd and brief scene in a bar where he is accosted by another old classmate who is now a cross-dresser. I can only assume this kind of stuff has some meaning in India or Pakistan, but it makes no sense in an American movie. Which is obviously what the studio thought since they premiered it outside of the USA. The only good things about the movie are the cool motorcycle jacket Swayze wears throughout, and the bitchin' '68 black Road Runner he drives.

The stage curtains open ...

The first time I saw the poster to this movie, I thought it was going to be another action-filled vehicle similar to "Road House", but it was nothing like that. When I read the synopsis to the film on the back, I realized it was the exact opposite - a family drama that hit on a few heavy topics. Regardless, I picked up a copy and watched it. I like a good drama as much as the next person.

It is the story of a prodigal son, outcast from his family after a harrowing event (of his doing) that emotionally scars them, and himself. Fifteen years later, after living a lost life, he returns home hoping to find reconciliation and forgiveness with his mother, sister, and most importantly, his father who hasn't been the same since. His sister has moved on with her life, getting ready to be married. All of his friends are married with kids, and his parents are living a quiet life, finding respite with each other. Finally, things come to a head and heavy decisions have to be made.

I can see how some have enjoyed this film. Overall, the acting is pretty good, though a bit over dramatic in some parts, and underwhelming in others. The consistency here is sorely lacking, and the movie ultimately comes off as completely disjointed and nonsensical. This is clearly one of Patrick Swayze's worst films, as even he didn't seem to be invested into his role. Everything was off kilter ... the plot and character development never happens. The level of believability is next to none. Even with some good actresses on board with Piper Laurie and Mary McDonnell, it all crumbles to the ground.

I can't justifiably recommend this movie, not even to a die hard Swayze fan. It was a disappointment on most levels. It actually had the feel of a made-for-tv movie, and not a very good one at that. This is a pass, and gets 3 stars out of 10 at best. There are some other, much better, Patrick Swayze films out there ... and that is where your focus should be.

I have recently been watching Patrick Swayze's DVD's and Videos. I am very much into his acting. I think Tiger is really a very touching story about a son who created a lot of trouble for his family, he got rehabilitated and wanted to go back home and make up for his trouble he had caused. I cry when I watch this story. I think this has happened in a lot of families in the United States. I think Patrick Swayze is very good. Of course, I think he is good in everything I have seen him act in. In my estimation this is a very tear jerker. I would watch this anyday, and cry when I watch it. There very little violence in it and I give it a top rating. Of course, Patrick Swayze is number one in my book for everything so far I have seen.

After a successful role in the hit film DIRTY DANCING, Patrick Swayze was thought to be one of the biggest stars in Hollywood, but when he took the lead role in TIGER WARSAW, it proved disasterous. This predictable tale of a former addict who tries to patch things up with his family does little to entertain anyone. The movie fails to make sense at times and Swayze's hunk appeal isn't there. A bit better than the dreary ROAD HOUSE, but still far from successful.

1 out of 5.

It's hard to honestly express the virtues of a film that is generally regarded as sub-par without going too far in the other direction. It's not that "Tiger Warsaw" is a complete success, indeed, there are many things that just don't quite work. Patrick Swayze, though his top billing is certainly the only reason this film has reached its relatively small audience, never quite fills out his character believably. That, and the somewhat low key feeling of the overall production, serves to play against the very same things that most potential viewers are looking for.

But there are very many good points. This is an exceptionally beautiful film to look at. Robert Draper's cinematography is cold, aching, with a powerful understanding of light. These scenes feel like real life of the kind we all know, not some imitation or expression of style. The director, Amin Q. Chaudhri (who made the similarly quiet drama "An Unremarkable Life" the following year), pulls back from his actors in the best possible way, observing their simple actions rather than trying to be over-dramatic. The story is well-realized in execution, but not entirely well-written. Roy London has a certain understanding of dialogue and character that is evident, but his plotting leaves something to be desired. There are avenues taken that seem unlikely, and others left untouched that could have been effectively explored.

But this is a real film. There's no over-acting, no showing off. There's a lot of humanity, and some heartbreaking performances. Piper Laurie is incredibly human, fully alive in her role. She might be remembered for more extreme roles like in "Carrie", but it's films like "Rising Son" and this production that show her depth.

I recommend this for its visual beauty, and its quiet understanding.