American Hero (2015)

An action-packed slog

True to its essence, the characters remain on the same line and manage to entertain the viewer, each highlighting their own distinctive qualities or touches.

It is interesting even when nothing much happens, which is for most of its 3-hour running time. Read full review

The movie really just wants to entertain people.

would absolutely recommend this movie! in my opinion the reason this movie has such a bad rating isn't because it's a bad movie, but rather what most people thought they were going to see beforehand.spoilermost people expected a generic high budget kid friendly "superhero" kind of movie going in, but it wasn't. that's what i loved personally about the movie it showed the troubled life of an alcohol and drug addict who was gifted with the ability to move things with his mind. the way the movie was shot almost like a documentary at some points showing the main characters personal interests in reading literature and playing the piano; i found these scenes particularly cool as the main character spoke directly to the viewer about his experiences and read some of his favorite quotes. his personality is broken down throughout the movie and you learn that he's not just an alcoholic party animal, he's a father, a great friend, and most importantly he's only human and although he has made mistakes he's willing to become a better person, no matter how difficult it may be.

Stephen Dorff plays Melvin, an underachiever/slacker who is loved/worshiped by everyone in his community even though he has nothing to offer, does nothing all day, and spends most of his time partying (which is just wasting time, FYI.) Sooo much of this film are composite shots of him partying, freebasing, then screaming at the camera. "YA DUDE!" You'd think the filmmakers would trust us to understand the fact that Melvin spends his time getting wasted, but nope, they hammer montage after montage after montage down our throats juuuust in case. It's okay that nothing in this film is subtle, but that doesn't mean the film has to be brainless.What kills me about "American Hero" is its blandness. Its premise is original and a fun take on the current super hero trend of movies, but its originality is criminally wasted. This movie is just plain boring, and annoying, given the many plot points brought up but not explored. For example, Melvin learns that if he uses his super hero powers too much he may die. After this revelation, it's never mentioned again and has no effect for the rest of the film. Oi! Melvin's character is meant to appeal to slackers, underachievers, guys who think they're above work... you know-- men who live in fantasy worlds. Melvin is truly fictional, as he is someone who gets to have his cake and eat it too. He's loved by all, has a beautiful wife and son, and by the film's end he undergoes no arc, gets no job, no training, no nothing. The filmmakers had a demographic in mind for their audience--ie, loser men-- and knew they couldn't insult them by daring to suggest that Melvin changes his wasteful ways.But Melvin's like, way smart, you guys. He listens to Tchaikovsky ("The changes! The notes! The way it *crescendos!*" Gag, retch) and reads random passages from Guy de Maupassant, out of context in vain attempt to fool the audience into thinking that Melvin has a *clue* as to what he's talking about. This "appreciation" for literature, and everything about Melvin—from the way he dresses, interacts with others, slumps over, tries to look cool, and wastes time just feeds into the slacker mindset: "I've got, like, *loads* of potential, man. I'm just not interested in joining the rest of the world. Now excuse me as I go and play as a character who offers essential skills to a world in a video game or D&D." Despite that "Undercover Brother" may be one of the worst movies I've seen (the gag throughout the whole thing: white people are lame! Get it?!) Eddie Griffin is a highlight in this movie. He's a charming guy with real charisma. However, there's one scene where Eddie's character (Lucille) is in a hospital and hits on a nurse. I... gaped, watching that. The nurse laughs his chat up lines off, but in reality, they were so creepy she would have either flown out of the room or called security. The wheelchair Melvin gifts Lucille with at the end of film too was another awful touch. Just because Lucille is loud doesn't mean you should put streamers on his chair's handles, man.Ever listen in on a tedious, empty, dumb conversation between a gang of spoiled, pretentious gits? That's the tone of this movie.Avoid.

If you're looking for something in the lines of the Avengers universe you'll most likely be disappointed.Even though Stephen Dorff's character technically has some superpowers of sorts (levitation through mind-control) he doesn't really use it all that much most of the time.He prefers getting drunk and high over chasing bad guys and that's the main focus of the movie, even though sure there is a little action in it but not close enough to warrant this movie having action as the main genre listed (or listed at all).No it's more a mockumentary drama-comedy about a 'loser' douche-bag who just happen to have some supernatural powers (don't expect a new 'Chronicle' either though when I tell you that, again the lead is more impressed with the power of weed and alcohol than his levitation powers) They definitely had the potential to do more with the script but it was watchable at least.Eddie Griffin plays his best friend and he's in it for most of the scenes so if you like him it will be an extra treat.

I really enjoyed watching this movie. That said, I went in with very little expectations and I did not expect it to be Man of Steel or even Hancock. If all you want to see is a Hollywood superhero action movie, then this is not the movie for you.This movie is about a guy with superpowers, not a superhero. It's depiction is much more down to earth, mundane, and realistic compared to the glamorous and romantic depiction of people with super powers in other movies like The Marvel and DC films.It's about a pretty average, albeit really irresponsible guy who deals with his own personal issues.. he also just so happens to have telekinesis. I say give it a chance unless you want an action packed "superhero" movie.