Jeremy Sisto is kind of an unsung film hero, perhaps best known as "Law and Order’s" detective Cyrus Lupo or for his role on the HBO TV Series "Six Feet Under."
The actor has performed wonderfully on the big screen as well, playing abusive husband Earl Hunterson in "Waitress," a despicable drug dealer in "Thirteen" and a fantastic lead in the cult film "The Movie Hero."
"The Movie Hero" tells the story of a man (who usually refers to himself as the protagonist) as he constantly breaks the fourth wall, knowing he is in a movie and talking to the audience.
Because of this, he seems crazy to everyone else around him and is forced to see a therapist to quell his delusions.
During his first session, he decides his therapist, played by a forgettable Dina Meyer, is his love interest. He spends most of their time together trying to woo her as well as explain his way of seeing the world.
He preaches everyone in the world has their own audience who watches them as they live their lives.
These audiences are why people dress glamorously and feel good about themselves.
During his sessions of preaching, he also finds his sidekick, played by Brian J. White, who fulfills the stereotype that all sidekicks are sassy young black men.
He also encounters a suspicious character, played wonderfully by villainous actor Peter Stormare.
This suspicious character kidnaps the audiences of those he encounters and keeps them for himself in a modified guitar.
Our protagonist realizes that stopping the suspicious character is the plot of his movie, so he tries to save the day, get the girl and become the movie’s hero.
The film itself is not of high quality.
There are no huge names present, the cinematography isn’t memorable and the script could have used more work.
The film’s locations are supposed to capture the feel of California, yet seem more like Reno, Nev., at least the one showcased on "Reno 911."
What this film has that makes up for all of this is heart, and it is all thanks to Sisto.
He convinces the viewers just how important movies are, especially through his use of a modified Lord’s Prayer which puts a creative spin on the traditional one without actually being sacrilegious.
However, Stormare also gives a fantastic performance as a villain who isn’t truly villainous, and Carlos Jacott, a popular character actor makes good on the role of the therapist’s doomed fiance.
To be fair, he wouldn’t have been able to do this without the script, which makes it a pity that this is a low-budget independent film instead of a big movie blockbuster.
Production values aside, anyone looking for something fun, creative and charming should consider "The Movie Hero."
Grade: B
1 comments