Alright, I admit, it is a hokey movie and the dialog is stilted. It was made for tv ...so what do you want? John Ritter is delightfully sappy as the hopefull Hero who believes that good always triumphs over evil.Anne Archer is enticing as the neighbor not even the good guy can resist. The movie revels in its simplicity but manages some scenes that are close to movie classics. There is even a scene that no matter how many times I see it still makes me tear up, and as a 55 year old male the only thing that brings me to tears these days is politics. Its fun, start the popcorn and order it.
A Quintessential New York Movie
There's a lot going on with "Hero At Large." Notably, this is a film that was, for the bulk of it, made on location in NYC, circa 1979. That fact alone would be enough to recommend it, because it gives you a glimpse into what the city was about at that time, how it looked, what was playing at local movie houses and on Broadway, and what was important to its residents.
But this film goes well beyond the basics of the setting. And that's due to a meaningful script by A.J. Carothers and a truly remarkable performance by John Ritter.
In some ways, Ritter's character here is in a similar situation to Dustin Hoffman's character in 1982's "Tootsie." He plays an out of work actor who is desperate to get a part in a play, or even a commercial just to make the rent. When he books the role of Captain Avenger, a comic book hero who is the star of a cheesy live action film, he's not the motion picture actor, he's the stooge signing 8 x 10s outside of the theater dressed in the character's costume, one of dozens of actors playing the part all over town!
But on the way home from his gig, when his local grocer gets held up at knifepoint, he uses that costume to thwart the street toughs and saves the day!
His interest in his next door neighbor, J. (Anne Archer) helps to fuel his heroics, and he finds himself starting to take chances to help people and win her attention and affection, and to make a statement about what's really important.
A surprise is Bert Convy, who was known for his "nice guy" image, here goes against type as the sleazy PR manager, who was in charge of both the Captain Avenger film and the Mayoral Campaign of the encumbent, who sees a way of tying the two together, based on the genuine heroics of the actor, that regular guy trying to make people think about a bigger idea(l).
This is a New York movie, through and through, but it's the heart of the film that makes it special and that's due to John Ritter. His performance is always genuine, never hits a wrong note and is a tribute to the actor himself. It's those elements that take this film to soaring heights! Plus there are cameos by some of the city's longtime television reporters: Who knew that Penny Crone had brown hair at one time?
This disc itself has the bare minimum: the film's theatrical trailer is the only extra, but it is most certainly worthy of adding to your collection. Place it right next to Christopher Reeve's Superman and Michael Keaton's Batman. That's where it belongs.
Highly Recommended!
New York 1980
As a child, I remember catching this film on TV and instantly being hooked by the flashy Captain Avenger costume...in many ways reminiscent of the "Greatest American Hero".
Ritter plays a struggling, out-of-work actor, Steve Nichols, whose luck changes when, dressed as a superhero to promote a movie, he manages to foil a real-life grocery store robbery.
Fantastic local shots of New York City as it was in early 1980 (just months before John Lennon was killed).
"The Empire Strikes Back" was the true summer blockbuster of that year - deservedly so. But with its heart and likeable Ritter, "Hero At Large" has also survived the years and remains a satisfying period piece!!
I saw this film for the first time when I was 8 years old. This film started my love afair with the Corvette and my eventually purchasing one as an adult. The DVD picture quality is great, and its nice to see it in Widscreen. I bought a bootleg on Ebay that was ok, but in full screen. The widscreen DVD sound is good also. I am dissapointed with the lack of extras. Hamill and Potts doing commentary would have been nice. Also
a short on the building of the car would have been cool too. Korky's Customs built it. It would have been nice to see a documentary on that. Also, where is the car now? It is actually owned by Mid America Covette, a corvette parts builder. They probably could have helped with a documentary. Too bad. More Info about this DVD Actor(s): Mark Hamill - Annie Potts Director(s): Matthew Robbins DVD Release Date: Released the 30 August 2005 Usually ships in 6 to 7 days
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In 1952 Superman flew right into the hearts and minds of the American TV audience faster than a speeding bullet. Though most people were already familiar with man of steel through his comic books, as well as the popular radio show, it was the new medium's Adventures of Superman that transformed our resident Kryptonian into a timeless icon. For many young baby boomers, Superman was the ultimate symbol of truth, justice and the American way. After watching this nostalgic trip back in time it is easy to see why: George Reeves. Reeves is the quintessential Superman. He is kind, confident, smart, always does the right thing and can literally do anything physically. Even Reeves' Clark Kent is cool, even cocky without any of the trademarked shy, clumsy and hickish traits the character... More Info about this DVD Director(s): George Blair - Philip Ford - Lee Sholem DVD Release Date: Released the 18 October 2005 Usually ships in 24 hours
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The first season of THE GREATEST AMERICAN HERO introduced a red super suit to likable high school teacher RALPH HINKLEY, and then introduces Ralph to the world. The problem is Ralph has lost the instructions on the use of the suit. You can't blame him! After all, there were aliens and a walking dead FBI agent and a bus load full of teenage sweathogs. Add into the mix, Robert "I Spy" Culp as scenarist Bill Maxwell, a man of action teamed with Ralph to point out things that need be avenged. Oh, there's also the divorce attorney / girlfriend played by Connie Selleca. Add in a still catchy theme song (and a less than catchy soundtrack) and your ready to fly. Well almost.
Then came the second full but sub par season. Now we have the last, abridged third season.
Not short on murder, mayhem, or any other screwball '70s conventions, Foul Play is a wonderful vehicle for Goldie Hawn. She plays Gloria, a librarian "ready to take a chance again," who ends up the target of an assassination ring. Chevy Chase, fresh off of Saturday Night Live, does the closest thing to real acting he would ever achieve (okay, maybe Fletch) as Tony, the cop assigned to protect Gloria. Dudley Moore made an indelible impression on American audiences as Stanley Tibbets, a surprisingly kinky symphony conductor. But it's the quirky things that make this film: the grandmothers playing Scrabble with expletives, Burgess Meredith's snake Esme, the old Japanese couple in the back of the careening limo. From the opening credits with Barry Manilow crooning the... More Info about this DVD Actor(s): Goldie Hawn - Chevy Chase Director(s): Colin Higgins DVD Release Date: Released the 16 November 2004 Usually ships in 24 hours
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I read the other reviews for GAH Season Two and was amazed at the depth the other reviewers go into.
While the in-depth reviews are sometimes helpful, I found that I personally enjoyed the entire season. Sure, there were a couple of questionable episodes in the writing department -- but there hasn't been a series or movie (to date) that hasn't fallen prey to that problem in some form.
The entire series was good, clean family fun. I own all three seasons, and my family has enjoyed every episode. We laughed at the really silly way Ralph flies and fumbles his way through using the "jammies"; Bill Maxwell's snacking habits (MilkBone Biscuits) and Pam's level headed guidance of "the boys." (My wife especially likes Pam -- in a house full of boys, she's the one that... More Info about this DVD Actor(s): William Katt DVD Release Date: Released the 05 April 2005 Usually ships in 24 hours
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