Unstrung Heroes

PG

Released Sep 15, 1995

1h 34m

Drama

List

75%

24 Reviews

Tomatometer

61%

1,000+ Ratings

Audience Score

A 12-year-old (Nathan Watt) striving to cope with the impending death of his mother (Andie MacDowell) must leave her and his genius father (John Turturro) and live with his crazy uncles (Michael Richards, Maury Chaykin) in 1960s Los Angeles.

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Critics Consensus

Sensitive direction and a terrific cast help Unstrung Heroes get at the heart of human grief -- and depict the relationships that can start the healing process.

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Audience Member

Over 25 years old In the 1960s a young boy's mother played by Andie McDowell is facing death Sooner or later he has to face it too but he goes to leave with his three uncles This is good for focusing on dealing with loss Misfits can also be necessary teachers through something like this All the actors pour their hearts into these roles, even the kid playing Steven is really incredible here just needing an outlet for hope and optimism, the score is very touching as well The ending is tragic but it does help bring this unusual family even more closer Director Diane Keaton handles the human grief element very well showing how family relationships can grow even more letting the healing process begin

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

09/16/23

Full Review

Audience Member

John Tuturro was such an upcoming and well-established newcomer to Hollywood he was practically in everything and this is no exception In 1960's Los Angeles he plays father Sid and husband of the Lidz family; he's very into documenting everything that happens to preserve the memories teaching his son everything about the stars, social issues etc. starring next to Andie Macdowell and Michael Richards of 'Seinfeld' fame comes a story about a boy Steven making an unusual bond with his uncles during a difficult pastime his mother Selma has fallen ill and he's worried she's gonna die so he decides to stay with his other relatives until she recovers He stays with Uncle Arthur and Uncle Danny; Danny although is more of the paranoid one thinking everyone's out to get him and gather intel so he may not be the best example to follow Steven does what he thinks is right for him and his mother but at the same time he's learning to become a man people get trapped in their own history until someone shows them the way out, we grow in the most unexpected ways, it's not right to throw memories away the actors pour their hearts into these roles, even the kid playing Steven is really incredible here just needing an outlet for hope and optimism, the score is very touching as well ending is tragic but it does help bring this unusual family even more closer Director Diane Keaton handles the human grief element very well showing how family relationships can grow even more letting the healing process begin

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

01/22/23

Full Review

Audience Member

Diane Keaton film was amazing filled with heartfelt characters that will never forget.it's a shame that Hollywood stop making movies as beautiful and artistic as this one. Michael Richards definitely steals the show though.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/09/23

Full Review

ashley h

Unstrung Heroes is an excellent film. It is about Steven Lidz, unhappy with his home life since his mother got sick, goes and lives with his two crazy Uncles. Andie McDowell, Nathan Watt and John Turturro give incredible performances. The screenplay is well written. Diane Keaton did a great job directing this movie and it is her directorial debut. I enjoyed watching this motion picture because of the humor and drama.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

03/31/23

Full Review

Frances H

Wonderfully sad and funny film by the renowned Diane Keaton about familial love, memories and grief, with two wildly eccentric uncles thrown in. Heartwarming and touching--a great watch.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

07/12/13

Full Review

Audience Member

I watch this movie long time ago, just came across this DVD, very nice.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

02/24/23

Full Review

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Diane Keaton

Director

Andie MacDowell

Selma Lidz

John Turturro

Sid Lidz

Michael Richards

Danny Lidz

Maury Chaykin

Arthur Lidz

Nathan Watt

Steven

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Owen Gleiberman

Entertainment Weekly

Rated: C+

Sep 7, 2011

Full Review

Nell Minow

Common Sense Media

Quietly moving story of a boy dealing with loss.

Rated: 3/5

Dec 29, 2010

Full Review

Nell Minow

Movie Mom

Rated: 3/5

Apr 13, 2002

Full Review

Margaret A. McGurk

Cincinnati Enquirer

Unstrung Heroes, a beautifully crafted heartbreaker directed by Diane Keaton, will make you want to run home and hug all the relatives who drive you nuts.

Rated: 3.5/4

Aug 19, 2021

Full Review

Thomas Delapa

Boulder Weekly

Rated: 1/5

Nov 4, 2005

Full Review

Chuck O'Leary

Fantastica Daily

Rated: 3/5

Oct 21, 2005

Full Review

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Synopsis

A 12-year-old (Nathan Watt) striving to cope with the impending death of his mother (Andie MacDowell) must leave her and his genius father (John Turturro) and live with his crazy uncles (Michael Richards, Maury Chaykin) in 1960s Los Angeles.

Director: Diane Keaton
Screenwriter: Franz Lidz, Richard LaGravenese
Distributor: Buena Vista Pictures
Production Co: Hollywood Pictures, Roth-Arnold Productions
Rating: PG
Genre: Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Sep 15, 1995, Original
Release Date (Streaming): Mar 1, 2013
Box Office (Gross USA): $7.9M
Runtime: 1h 34m
Sound Mix: Surround

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