Cook review: ‘Unsung Hero’ is faith-filled story of overcoming odds
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Sweet without being syrupy and firmly grounded in faith without being preachy, “Unsung Hero” is a touching inspirational true story.
Joel Smallbone, who with his brother Luke comprises the Christian pop group For King and County, plays his own dad, David Smallbone. (The two co-wrote and co-directed the film with Richard L. Ramsey.)
David Smallbone and his wife Helen (Daisy Betts, “Chicago Fire”) who is expecting, already have a big family of six children. They live in Sydney, where David is a music promoter.
David’s business is flagging. He tries as hard as he can to plan concerts, but things don’t turn out well.
He decides it’s time to go to the United States, where he can better use his talents as a promoter. The couple’s parents have their misgivings, but the Helen and David pack up the kids and head for the states, where the first challenge they encounter is explaining in an airport just what they’re doing there and how long they plan to stay.
The family’s plight goes from bad to worse. They do make new friends (including an amiable character played by Lucas Black, always a pleasant addition to any film.)
The challenges seem insurmountable. They have no furniture and they have no car, which makes a hike to get groceries an ordeal. Even though David continues to connect with professionals he knows, he still finds the going stays tough, and the family begins to eke out an existence with nearly the whole gang pitching in to do yard work together.
Helen’s remains faithful. The kids remain hopeful. Older daughter Rebecca (Kirrilee Berger, “Grown-ish”) has a wonderful singing voice, but David isn’t sure how she will reach an audience.
The movie shows some surprisingly intense moments. David, full of guilt that he hasn’t provided for his family, becomes harsh with a good friend. And Helen blows up at David, screaming at him in frustration at one point.
The film captures the look of the 1990s with its enjoyable soundtrack and costumes.
This is a solid outing for any faith-based audience, but especially for those familiar with the real-life performers, who have cameo roles throughout.
It’s an uplifting movie about belief and family.
3 stars
Running time: One hour and 52 minutes.
Rated: PG for mature themes and brief violence.
At Cinemark, Davenport.
Watch the trailer here.
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