Like The Shawshank Redemption it was a box office flop, and it has now become known as a good (underrated) film, from director Stephen Frears (Mrs. Henderson Presents, The Queen). Basically Bernie Laplante (Dustin Hoffman) is down on his luck with a jail sentence, a divorce and a son in her custody with limited access because he doesn't keep his promises. Then one day, out of the blue, on the way home for his son's birthday, a plane crashes, and he helped open the door and carried out many of the survivors, including reporter Gale Gayley (Geena Davis), but he was obviously drunk, not thinking straight, and stealing what he can. The camera guy was paying more attention to a fire fighter, but looking back at the footage, learning of 54 survivors pulled out, and Gale claiming there was an "Angel of Flight 104" the news are going hysterical praising and wondering who this hero is. Then in the campaign they decide to reward the unknown hero $1,000,000. Before hearing about this reward, Bernie told his experience to homeless John Bubber (Andy Garcia), and mentions not wanting any recognition. So Bubber takes the opportunity to lie and gets his fame, by not only by referring back to Bernie's story, but getting close to Gale. Eventually, after an arrest and bail, Bernie gets the chance to sort the situation with Bubber, even when Gale thinks Bernie is scheming and holding something over him (because he stole her purse). The film ends Bernie settling with Bubber staying the "hero", getting some of the money, and Gale finds out the truth (off the record) and keeps to this decision also. Also starring Joan Cusack as Evelyn Lapante, Kevin J O'Connor as Chucky, Channel 4 News Cameraman, Maury Chaykin as Winston, Bernie's Landlord, Stephen Tobolowsky as James Wallace, Channel 4 Station Manager, Christian Clemenson as James Conklin, Channel 4 News Reporter, True Lies' Tom Arnold as Chick, Bartender, Warren Berlinger as Judge Goines and James Madio as Joey Laplante, Bernie's Son. The acting is good, it is annoying with the hold-backs (i.e. not getting to the truth), but it is a good film. Very good!
Review of Hero
