Decided to see this film solely on what little I'd read about it--that it was one of Sam Elliott's best performances, that it was a quiet character study (I'm drawn to those types of films: as one example "20th Century Women" was my favorite film last year), and also because I like Nick Offerman. I wasn't disappointed, am glad I saw it, but it was, for me, one of the saddest film experiences I've had in some time. By film's end it left me downbeat and depressed. The script did a good job of reminding me just how cruel life can be at times when it comes to unexpected illnesses and trust in others sometimes being rewarded with unthinking breach of that trust at the worst possible time. It drives those points home very effectively, and that was the frame of mind it left me in as I exited the showing. Other aspects of the script, however, were a bit bumpy for me, with plot developments that at times seemed forced and unlikely, but Sam smooths over those jarring bumps and carries the film from start to finish solely on the strength of his acting--and quite possibly on the strength of his voice, which always sounds committed to whatever its saying (something the script uses to bittersweet and also amusing effect for the film's final moment, by the way). I definitely recommend the film to Sam's fans, and to fans of quiet character studies, but I might also recommend scheduling time to see a lively comedy immediately after.
Review of The Hero
The Hero
(I) (2017)
A 10 for Sam Elliott's performance, but a 7 overall
2 July 2017
Warning: Spoilers