Le tigre

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.

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 am surprised how harsh these people on IMDb are towards this great film. Just shows you how critical people can be and perhaps even a bit cynical. I was moved by this film, from the sad theme that plays in the beginning, to swayze's performance which I must agree carries the film. I was very well acted, and the emotions all the characters feel are real. even the annoying unforgiving sister, some part of me thinks that well, I can understand why she feels the way she does towards tiger. He did a lot of bad things. I was very sad for him, the scene when he meets his mom for the first time in years was so moving, I almost teared up. You just really see that he wants to change his life, one small step at a time, even getting a job as a checkout clerk at the local store, as lowly as it is he wants to change his life and you cant help but realize how true to life this really is. it touches home in many ways. the only one who understands him are his friend and old flame, who was beautiful and relatable. She like tiger is remembered for having a rather sordid reputation, she used to sleep around with the jocks and was the town whore I suppose. But both of them need those second chances, I felt bad when he decided to leave her and the kids, and that he almost commits suicide....it was just such a sad sad story but a beautiful one, and anyone who cant enjoy this, who cant see how hurt families can be and I suppose I can understand this story myself. If your a cynic or a critic, or both, don't watch this. If your an actual human with a heart and love smaller scale character drama's about family forgiveness and redemption, watch this. You wont be disappointed.

The interesting thing about Swayze is that he "did" this movie... more or less after Dirty Dancing. After the success of Dirty Dancing Swayze could've done anything - instead he decides to tell the simple and sad tale of one families personal tragic past.

A big career mistake? I don't think so, this is a fine movie and a fine vehicle for Swayze to explore his talent. In all fields this film has strength... the acting and cast are rock solid... the location work is fabulous and the story, although tame compared to todays standards still hits the target solidly. The only thing that shows through in parts is the budget is lacking. Swayze does well as the out casted son weaving his sentimental spell as the movie unfolds its mystery. The simple sense of futility and overwhelming sadness in this film is all due to Swayze acting his part so well.

Sure this is not a blockbuster - and on it's budget it wasn't supposed to be, but as entertainment value (which is what movies are all about) this is a fine piece of work. Watch it!