American Hero (2015)
8/10
Nice little seriocomic sleeper
22 July 2019
Warning: Spoilers
Drug-addled all-around foul-up Melvin (a fine and likeable performance by Stephen Dorff) decides to finally get his act together so he can use his heretofore suppressed telekinetic powers to do some good. Melvin is assisted on his noble quest by his easygoing disabled best friend Lucille (a spirited and engaging portrayal by Eddie Griffin).

Writer/director Nick Love relates the enjoyable and engrossing story at a constant pace, grounds the premise in a plausibly mundane everyday reality, offers a surprisingly thoughtful and effective mix of comedy and drama, and further provides a flavorsome evocation of the New Orleans setting. Moreover, Melvin's deep-seated need for some kind of redemption as well as his friendship with the fiercely loyal, but long-suffering Lucille give this movie an unexpectedly substantial amount of wrenching poignancy. In addition, there are sound supporting contributions from Luis Da Silva Jr. as the rowdy Lyle, Yohance Myles as concerned science teacher Lucas, Andrea Cohen as Melvin's caring mom Eileen, Raeden Cohen as snippy sister Clarice, and Christopher Berry as wastoid pal Danny. A sweet movie.
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