The Hero

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SR C I absolutely adore Sam Elliott, and even though there was food for thought in the plot, the storyline was slow and mundane. Elliott was a delight, but even he couldn't save this sorry movie. Rated 2/5 Stars •  Rated 2 out of 5 stars 05/06/24 Full Review Georgan G Sam Elliott makes this movie. There are some thought provoking scenes. But it's mostly about how the end of life puts life into perspective. Rated 3.5/5 Stars •  Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 02/16/24 Full Review Gayle F I loved Sam Elliott in this role - very touching. Rated 4/5 Stars •  Rated 4 out of 5 stars 05/29/23 Full Review w r This dog don't hunt. It started slow and stopped after 5 minutes but kept filming for years, at least it seemed like it. Rated 0.5/5 Stars •  Rated 0.5 out of 5 stars 03/31/23 Full Review Mark H This is 5-star ranked, but only for those who have the "lifetime achievement" of being at or over 65 years-old. Everyone else...will just have to wait...and see if they make it there. Rated 5/5 Stars •  Rated 5 out of 5 stars 08/12/22 Full Review Audience Member THE HERO, directed by Brett Haley, stars Sam Elliott, Laura Prepon, Krysten Ritter, and Nick Offerman. The film also stars, Katharine Ross, Sam's real wife, who played the bride in the iconic film ‘The Graduate'. She plays Valerie, his ex-wife in the film. It is a dramatic film with comedic touches about an aging Western icon whose cancer diagnosis shakes him out of his lethargy and off the couch on a journey of self-redemption, and to set things right with the people who really matter in his life. On his journey, he becomes romantically involved with Charlotte, a stand-up comic, played by the talented Laura Prepon, who much to his dismay finds the silver fox irresistible. Ritter plays his daughter Lucy, and Offerman plays Jeremy, his friend and drug dealer. Does he get to redeem himself with the clock ticking away? Well, if you want to find out, then, you're going to have to see the film. Does art imitate life? Perhaps, it does here, and it seems Sam Elliott's fictional character has a basis in reality. For much of his Hollywood career, Elliott has been typecast as a Western icon, the American cowboy, a figure idealized and fantasized in Hollywood films. And Elliott is the ideal actor to play the role of Lee Hayden given his pedigree and his exemplification of the manly masculinity popularized in American westerns. He has the physical, emotional and social attributes – the lanky physique, the full head of hair, the thick moustache, the deep baritone voice, the aloofness, and the self-assured and calm demeanor. I loved this character driven drama and I was pleased to see Elliott play the lead in a film. Age has only enhanced his attributes and made him more appealing. If he ain't nominated for an Academy Award, well, I'll be damned. Elliott's performance is outstanding and worthy of an Oscar. There are many dramatic moments in the film, so, you've been forewarned to bring some kleenex with you. The three that stand out for me are Hayden's acceptance speech, his reading the lines for a role with Jeremy, and at the studio. Prepon is beautiful to watch in her supporting role, and is she ever funny. There is a real chemistry between their characters, and her parody of her relationship on stage is a hoot. She is FANTASTIC. I will confess that I am a fan of Brett Haley and Sam Elliott's work. By the way, Elliott played the romantic lead opposite Bythe Danner's character in Haley's film "I'll See You In My Dreams," one of my favourite films. The Hero is a visually appealing film. The film is beautifully shot, and acted with a compelling storyline and great dialogue. The motif of running out of time sets up the dramatic tension in the film. Haley weaves together many visual elements to create a fascinating and meaning film. You visually sense the divide and separation between father and daughter when they meet. Hayden is on one side of the fence and Lucy on the other. When they meet again, there is no wall. Tight close ups of Elliott are juxtaposed against medium and wide angle shots. Hayden's aspirations are contextualized in dream sequences and interwoven in the narrative of the film which provides a depth and richness and adds a layer of complexity. The film is beautifully written and one of my favourite lines is "films are other people's dreams." The story is set against the majestic city scape of Los Angeles, and its coastline. I loved the aerial shots of LA at night and during the day. And I absolutely loved the inclusion of the poetry of Edna St. Vincent Millay in the storyline and Prepon's rendition of Millay's poems. There are so many things to love about The Hero. I highly recommend this film. Do see it for you won't be disappointed for it is an uplifting and meaningful film. It will make you laugh, cry, and cheer! . Rated 3.5/5 Stars •  Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 01/24/23 Full Review Read all reviews

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