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» » Somebody's Hero (2011)

Short summary

Dennis Sullivan, an average NYC accountant is assigned to work with a wealthy young widow and her son, Jake - A boy obsessed with the televised superhero 'Man America'. Dennis sees how Jake uses the TV hero to fill the void left by his deceased father. Moved by the boy's loss, Dennis heads for the 'Imagination Superstore' in search of the beloved costume. Once inside the dressing room, Dennis listens as the shop falls prey to a knife-wielding robber. Now in costume, Dennis springs into action to boot the thug from the store with security cameras capturing all. Once the footage hits the airwaves, a media frenzy erupts, leaving an entire city longing for more Man America. Now Dennis must choose between the safety of obscurity or providing his costumed hope to others.

User reviews


  • comment
    • Author: Seevinev
    Some say we need more heroes... I say we need more stories like this. "Somebody's Hero" is a charming tale that champions spirit, heart, and hope.

    Going in I thought this would be a superhero movie made for children, so I wasn't expecting much. Although kids will certainly enjoy the fun, there's something here for adults. This go around I found myself surrendering to simplicity and forgetting financial limitations (there are some). Dialog was well-written and superbly executed by a fun and unique cast. Delivered with compassion, this story provoked thought, leaving one to question how they treat others.

    Unfortunately, harder, more expecting movie-goers will probably dismiss this movie as an overly sentimental and unrealistic film. However, in a world where role models can be tough to find, this is a film which can inspire our youth to care, without expecting reward or remuneration. That alone is a substantial achievement.

    Fine work by a talented group of filmmakers who are certainly heroes in my book!
  • comment
    • Author: Cheber
    I truly enjoyed this refreshing little film. The story and style in which it was told brought me back to much younger days - a time when movies didn't need to try so hard. This film obviously had a restricted budget, so if you're looking for special effects and slick Hollywood glaze it won't be found. However, if you are in the mood for a simple story with a solid message, this is one to watch.

    This film doesn't conveniently fit any category. It's not a comedy, although it's very funny. It's not a romance, although there's a strong element of that. It's not a superhero movie, although that aspect is well represented. And it's not a comics movie, but again this is clearly a major influence on how some elements are delivered. Entirely its own thing, and an absolute delight.

    P.S. if you tend to be on the cynical side, this film likely won't strike your fancy.
  • comment
    • Author: Malarad
    Engaging, sensitive movie with a real sense of humor. Does not take its premise too seriously which ultimately adds poignancy to the emotional heart of the film. The superhero sequences are slightly campy but intentionally so and the father-son type chemistry between the hero and the boy is excellent. Production value is surprisingly good for a non-studio picture and the acting is topnotch, especially from the main character. Soundtrack is appropriate, if unexciting, and non-intrusive. Highly recommended for family viewing but also for a fun night with your friends. Just the right amount of adventure and emotion for adults and children!
  • comment
    • Author: Skyway
    Though some people may not like the humor this movie has and the fact it was low budget it is a very solid, heartwarming movie and it is definitely worth watching. Each of the characters in the movie is well developed and certain ones begin to grow on you throughout the length of the film. The fact that everyone can be somebody's hero is ever present in the movie. The movie hits on important values of being honest, being true to oneself, giving of oneself for others, and making a difference. The movie is really quite family friendly minus a few cuss words and it worth the chance. It also shows you that real heroes are those that do the right thing.
  • comment
    • Author: Brialelis
    I was lucky enough to view the film at a private screening with some friends and my two boys (ages 10 and 12). We all enjoyed the movie very much. Man America character was great as a simple accountant in New York that turns make shift super hero as truly only the same account with no super human powers, just a funny costume and the will to help people in need. The fact that he has no powers and gets tossed around and beaten at times makes the film very humorous. The relationship between Man America, the boy and the boys mother is very touching making it a happy, feel good film as well. I definitely recommend the film for families as the humor and story are compelling to both children and adults.
  • comment
    • Author: Via
    "Best Feature" at Coney Island. I was so happy to have been a part of this wild and fun festival and truly LOVED this little film. The simplicity is what won me over. This feature was a very refreshing departure from today's movie market, which seems to be saturated with much heavy handed garbage that can leave one feeling empty. The inner movie debate between the female and male lead over what best serves as a heroic example for children and adults alike was smart. Every character was a hero to another and I though that was so fitting. The message wasn't heavy handed either, which added to the impact. An excellent movie for lovers, children, families, and anybody with a heart.

    Fun and fun.
  • comment
    • Author: Minnai
    My wife and I had the privilege of seeing this fun film at The Coney Island Film Festival, where it won Best Feature - Rightfully so. The festival was a commute from mid Manhattan but Somebody's Hero made the journey worth while.

    Although there were some unique movies at the event, this film had an even flow and told a story. There was nothing that didn't work for me, in fact I was able to loose myself in the sweet story. My wife was moved to tears and adores Christopher Gorham - again - rightfully so :) Very happy to have seen this wonderful movie and enjoyed the story message very much. A+
  • comment
    • Author: Stonewing
    I saw a Rob Reiner film recently called 'Flipped' which was unexpectedly uplifting and a very fun family movie. That's exactly what you have here. I really enjoyed the message that the filmmakers were after in this one, in fact I think they nailed it. Gorham's a fun guy to watch, and a very believable actor in this role. I also liked the subtle humor. I can see why it might not be for everyone, but I know I appreciate a good film to watch with your families. Someone with a lot of heart put this together. That in my book is an easy 10 out of 10. Don't deny yourself the treat of watching something light and actually pretty fun.
  • comment
    • Author: Cargahibe
    I found it refreshing to have a great little gem like Somebody's Hero to make it to the mainstream, from time to time.

    Nowadays, it's always stories that need to be realistic, dark, gritty... What about a story that can be just that. Heartwarming. Nothing more, nothing less.

    Somebody's Hero is a movie that keep a funny little smile in your face all along the way. A Christmas morning kind of feeling, when you were ten and jumping in the bed of your parent to let them know that Santa passed by, during the night.

    A great movie to watch with all the family. A couple of logs in the fireplace, everybody under a sheet, on the couch, a snack on the lap. You'll probably found Fido, also watching to find how it end.

    Nothing else to say but; what are you waiting for?
  • comment
    • Author: Androrim
    And when I say Romantic, I don't mean love, but there is a touching love story as well. This is a movie for the types who need heroes in a day and age where heroes are more complicated rather than confused. Our main hero in this story struggles with the concept of being a hero for all when all he wanted to do was be a hero for one. Chris Gorham is fantastic as usual in the lead of not Somebody's Hero, but really Everybody's Hero. There have been some negative reviews here and all they do is attack the hopeful image the film projects, something sadly lacking in many films today. This is a family film of the highest order and worth a look by those who are jaded by the cynicism of the world today.
  • comment
    • Author: Leceri
    This was a surprisingly good movie! The script does a great job of presenting real world challenges with real world heroism. I think that the casting did a great job of picking an actor who naturally exudes innocence and heroism at the same time. I have seen some family movies with this actor before, and I don't think there could have been a better choice. Although there are some comedic elements to the film, there is a real undercurrent of dramatic tension. Also, I think this is a movie that the entire family could watch. There is a little violence, but it is quite mild and border-line slap-stick. All in all, this is an inspiring fantasy with a real world character to it.
  • comment
    • Author: Trash
    SOMEBODY'S HERO (5.3/10) is the story of Dennis (played by Chris Gorham), an accountant who is described by his boss as having the attribute of always being "under the radar", and for that very reason, she gives him the opportunity to handle the account of one of the firm's most important clients: Katie (Susan Misner), a newly widowed single mom with a son named Jake. Katie may have an incredible amount of money, but leads a relatively modest existence as she tries to manage her son's emotional withdrawal from the world following his father's death, and cope with her own loneliness. Her confidante and emotional rock is her devoted housekeeper Maureen, and both Maureen and Katie are worried by Jake's obsession with the comic book/movie action hero Man America. Dennis enters into this household, and is immediately touched by Jake's loneliness, perhaps identifying with his own barren personal life: being a man who lives "under the radar" does not make for a wild bachelor existence. So he offers to try and get Jake to come out of his emotional shell, and, when Katie tells him that Jake only seems interested in something associated with Man America, Dennis decides to rent a Man America costume. But while in the costume store trying on the Man America suit, a criminal with a knife threatens the owner and a businessman there to talk the owner into selling the store. Dennis emerges in the Man America outfit, and his awkward but ultimately successful efforts to ward off the knife-wielding thug are captured on the store's security camera.

    The next day, Dennis discovers that his heroics have been picked up on the internet and television, via the security tapes, and he has become a New York City hero. When the businessman he saved urges him to keep playing Man America in order to bring hope to the city, he sees a chance to be something more than just an anonymous "under the radar" accountant. But as his relationship with Jake and Katie deepens, and Katie starts to feel increasingly attracted to the man who seems to be bringing Jake out of his shell, Dennis will be faced with increasing conflict between his professional life, his personal life, and his secret Man America life.

    On the positive side, this is a story that makes some interesting points about the real meaning of leading a heroic life, while keeping the mood light with plenty of humor, and even some pratfalls. It also doesn't duck raising some tough questions about whether the obligation to one's family outweighs one's principles. It also touches on the issue of how heroism is sometimes exploited by the unscrupulous for their own selfish ends. The acting and production values for such a low budget film are also excellent, with both the leads making their characters identifiable to the viewer.

    On the negative side, the mix between humor and drama is not always handled that well, and many plot points are contrived to advance the plot to where it needs to go next, without a great deal of logic. Some characters are altogether caricatures (Dennis' boss is the most glaring example), and this undercuts the emotional impact of their interaction with Dennis and Katie. A movie like AUGUST RUSH is a good example of a film that gets nearly all these things right, and SOMEBODY'S HERO just doesn't get to that level.

    But, taken as a small independent movie made to be family friendly, this is certainly more than passable, if not outstanding. And those tough questions mentioned earlier can be the starting point for some good discussions between parents and children about values and principles; something that any parent can welcome.
  • comment
    • Author: Kinashand
    The Internet Movie Database reviews looked promising at first but after watching the movie I have my doubts. This movie could have been great if they polished the story more, added some simple dramatic shorts, introduced some simple effects and kept the pace a bit fast.

    But even without those elements this movie does fair quite well. The story in itself is quite uplifting, the cast is decent and since it's a family movie you get your drama scenes as well along with some comedy which I must admit didn't work for me.

    Overall, you get a minor to major boost from watching this movie plus your kids may or may not enjoy this movie.

    If you're bored and have some kids around, give this movie a try.
  • comment
    • Author: Hudora
    1=awful. Would have been better to have made a children's bedtime story book out of it.

    Some people have to spend time and pay money to watch films. The film lacked depth. Was all too predictable. And these are some of the reasons this film can't be recommended or watched. It shows the all-americanism of the Hollywood blockbuster genres but even that doesn't rescue the movie from the stark shock and utter despair that my mind was entwined in while watching mediocrity of frames passing by my eyes.

    But don't get me wrong here; for a certain demographic; single moms or pre-teen kids, this could be a 8/10. Not for me.
  • comment
    • Author: Mr.Bean
    I had the opportunity to see this at the Newport Beach Film Festival and I decided to take my young nieces. Even they were not impressed, and they were excited by the premise. I had wanted to see it because I think Chris Gorham has been so impressive on "Covert Affairs." But perhaps he was in character as the blind "Auggie" when he read the script because there is no way he could have thought this would be good for his career. I really think this was misguided as a feature film. It had Lifetime or ABC Family stamped all over it. I realize it is a low-budget film, and for what they probably had to work with, it was not bad, but I see from the facebook page for the movie that the producers are looking for distribution for it. I certainly can't imagine it playing in any kind of movie theater. Better to try and sell it to USA as something to show in the off season for "Covert Affairs" and ride the coattails of Chris Gorham's current popularity, because that is all this movie has going for it.
  • Cast overview, first billed only:
    Christopher Gorham Christopher Gorham - Dennis Sullivan
    Susan Misner Susan Misner - Katie Wells
    Arthur J. Nascarella Arthur J. Nascarella - Donald Delansky
    Novella Nelson Novella Nelson - Maureen
    Ben Hyland Ben Hyland - Jake Wells
    Pamela Shaw Pamela Shaw - Miss Malechek
    Carl Gordon Carl Gordon - Rusty
    Yusef Bulos Yusef Bulos - Marty
    Sue Jean Kim Sue Jean Kim - Julia
    Todd Wall Todd Wall - Mark
    Jake Robards Jake Robards - Robert Ready
    Brian Townes Brian Townes - Man America
    Jenda Jenda - Damsel in Distress (as Rabyt)
    Virginia Wing Virginia Wing - Costume Shop Owner
    Tim Gallin Tim Gallin - Costume Shop Thug
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