- Actors: Dustin Hoffman, Geena Davis, Andy Garcia, Joan Cusack, Kevin J. O'Connor
- Directors: Stephen Frears
- Writers: Laura Ziskin, Alvin Sargent, David Webb Peoples
- Producers: Joseph M. Caracciolo, Laura Ziskin, Sandy Isaac
- Classification: 15
- Studio: Columbia Tristar
- VHS Release Date: 7 April 2003
- Run Time: 117 minutes
- Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
- ASIN: B00004CNNN
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 18,422 in Video (See Top 100 in Video)
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Product Description
Amazon.co.uk Review
Dustin Hoffman plays a lowlife who happens upon a plane crash and rescues the passengers, but doesn't really care about the value of his deed or the attendant publicity when the media starts searching for the hero. Another fellow (Andy Garcia) steps into the gap and claims credit, and as his life changes for the better he takes on a Messianic glow. Geena Davis is the cynical television reporter who pushes the latter's fame in order to keep her story alive, and this film, directed by Stephen Frears (Prick Up Your Ears), takes a few familiar jabs at a manipulative and voyeuristic press. This is essentially an unofficial remake of Meet John Doe, though it is less dramatic and forceful in the end than Frank Capra's classic. Chevy Chase has an oddly anachronistic part as Davis' editor (maybe he thought he really was in Meet John Doe), but the film belongs to Hoffman, who makes his character a slightly cleaned-up version of the actor's own Ratso Rizzo in Midnight Cowboy. --Tom Keogh
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
Format:VHS Tape
This film has sat unloved and unwatched on my shelf for years now just gathering dust. I finally got round to watching it over the weekend and all I can say is, what a crime it was to be overlooked by other films in my 'must get round to watching' pile.
All three leads (Davis, Garcia & Hoffman) give excellent performances throughout and is definitely one of those rare cinematic treats where nothing could conceivably be changed for the better.
Hoffman plays the msot unlikeable and apathetic character to feature on screen since, well, Rizzo of Midnight Cowboy. Let's face it, despite Garcia's & Davis' performances, Hoffman steals the show here. In my opinion, this is where the script works so well - juxtaposing his obvious indifference and selfish qualities with his so-called heroic actions; hence the title I guess.
Others have commented on how Garcia's role in the film is evidence that the little man doesn't conquer. I would disagree, it is apparent the Garcia is as much the 'victim' as Hoffman although - to me - the ending shows how both orchestrate the situation to their mutual advantage; I would argue that it is the media who are 'mugged-off' and not so the little guys.
Speaking of endings; the ultimate scene in the zoo was the perfect ending to the film and summed-up Hoffman's persona. Brilliant, just brilliant.
All three leads (Davis, Garcia & Hoffman) give excellent performances throughout and is definitely one of those rare cinematic treats where nothing could conceivably be changed for the better.
Hoffman plays the msot unlikeable and apathetic character to feature on screen since, well, Rizzo of Midnight Cowboy. Let's face it, despite Garcia's & Davis' performances, Hoffman steals the show here. In my opinion, this is where the script works so well - juxtaposing his obvious indifference and selfish qualities with his so-called heroic actions; hence the title I guess.
Others have commented on how Garcia's role in the film is evidence that the little man doesn't conquer. I would disagree, it is apparent the Garcia is as much the 'victim' as Hoffman although - to me - the ending shows how both orchestrate the situation to their mutual advantage; I would argue that it is the media who are 'mugged-off' and not so the little guys.
Speaking of endings; the ultimate scene in the zoo was the perfect ending to the film and summed-up Hoffman's persona. Brilliant, just brilliant.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
I saw this film for the first time 1992 and had almost forgotten it.I don't know why its not running constantly in TV, like Pretty Women? It is one of the best films I've looked EVER!!! The actors are great (nowadays we almost forget how incredable Geena Davis was), the story is amazing and it makes you feel your heart again! This film has everything- heart, action,comedy. Its every penny worth!
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
Excellent, excellent, excellent !!!
Action, fun and reflexion all together! I recommended this movie to all of my friends. You don't need to be Garcia or Hoffman fan to appreciate. The story is simple, funny and let you imagine it really can happen to anyone of us.
Action, fun and reflexion all together! I recommended this movie to all of my friends. You don't need to be Garcia or Hoffman fan to appreciate. The story is simple, funny and let you imagine it really can happen to anyone of us.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
Review
The DVD jumped at some sceans I am disappointed I had expected a more enjoyable experience as I loved the VHS video hence the my expense for a new format
Published 8 months ago by Law
A bad movie
Hoffman plays an amalgam of all the characters he's ever played on film - and he's not at all engaged. Davis and Garcia do much better. Read more
Published 23 months ago by Philip L. Silverman
My purchase
Am very happy with my purchase. It arrived on time and in good condition. I would recommend them!
Published on 27 Feb 2009 by A. Black
"Pardon The Vulgarity"
The first time I have seen this film was over ten years ago, and recently it been nagging me out of nowhere. Read more
Published on 23 April 2008 by Zadius Sky
Great plot and well acted out
I planned on watching the first 45 minutes of this as it was late and I was working the next morning, however I ended up sitting through the whole lot. Read more
Published on 4 Nov 2007 by LXIX
Fifteen Minutes of Fame
"Hero" is one of the most infuriating films I have seen in some time. From the very start of the picture, I truly identified with Dustin Hoffman's character, and it's maddening to... Read more
Published on 23 Jun 2007 by Jay
Good film
Enjoyable, easy to watch film about an unlikely hero who rescues people from a plane crash. Both Dustin Hoffman and Andy Garcia are brilliant and as long as you don't mind it... Read more
Published on 3 April 2003 by E. Jones
Dustin at his best
Very few actors can play Idiots or losers like Hoffman does in this movie. He does it with so much grace that you want to adopt him. Read more
Published on 17 Jan 2002 by jonathan724@hotmail.com
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