Excruciating comedy has Dustin Hoffman playing a con man and pickpocket in New York City who is already in legal trouble when his car stalls on a bridge overlooking a river where an airliner has just crash landed; he reluctantly helps the passengers out of the plane and then disappears. Later, a TV newswoman, who happened to be on the ill-fated flight, turns the story around to reflect on the mysterious hero, causing worldwide interest. Intriguing concept for a comedy-drama, but this one is never sure what it wants to be--or what tempo the scenes should be set at. At certain moments, it's a rapid-fired, "Front Page"-styled satire, other times it's a mushy piece littered with brash or kooky characters, none of whom seems the least bit credible. In a running, irritating gag, Hoffman's character isn't able to get his side of the story out--he's constantly thwarted by people who won't listen, don't care, or don't believe him. However. The biggest joke is that he's such an ill-mannered, disreputable lout, he doesn't deserve any recognition! Geena Davis has some brief moments where her innate charm comes through without effort, and the supporting cast is full of wonderful characters actors. Unfortunately, no one here merits much interest...and you know a picture's in trouble when there are only two decent people on hand: a non-mouthy teenager and Tom Arnold as a bartender. *1/2 from ****
Review of Hero
Hero
(I) (1992)
It's full of creeps, liars and louts...'adorable' creeps, liars and louts
14 October 2007