Almost Heroes (1998)

Two bumbling explorers hope to beat Lewis & Clarke to the Pacific Ocean as they race across America's western frontier in the early 1800's.

Director:

Christopher Guest

Writers:

Mark Nutter, Thomas R. Wolfe (as Tom Wolfe)

Stars:

Chris Farley, Matthew Perry, Bokeem Woodbine

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Chris Farley	...	Bartholomew Hunt
Matthew Perry	...	Leslie Edwards
Bokeem Woodbine	...	Jonah
Barry Del Sherman	...	Sergeant
Robert Tittor	...	Priest at Fort Adams
Franklin Cover	...	Nicholas Burr
Patrick Cranshaw	...	Jackson (as Joseph Patrick Cranshaw)
Eugene Levy	...	Guy Fontenot
Lisa Barbuscia	...	Shaquinna
Christian Clemenson	...	Father Girard
Steven M. Porter	...	Higgins
David Packer	...	Bidwell
Hamilton Camp	...	Pratt
Jonathan Joss	...	Bent Twig
George Aguilar	...	Chief Two Roads

Storyline

Explorers Bartholemew Hunt and Leslie Edwards are setting forth against nature across the country on a journey to the Pacific Ocean against rivals Lewis and Clark. Along the way they have many mishaps and misfortunes.

---

Plot Keywords:

native american | eagle | thrown through a wall | ocean | killing an animal | 

---

Taglines:

Almost History... Almost Legends... Mostly Ridiculous.

---

Genres:

Adventure | Comedy | Western

---

Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG-13 for crude humor and nudity

Did You Know?

Trivia

Filmed in fall 1996 under the title "Edwards & Hunt." It was originally intended for release in summer 1997, but was delayed for a year due to a merger between Turner Broadcasting (which bankrolled this film) and Time Warner.

---

Goofs

When Hunt becomes suddenly disgusted with Edwards after peering through his telescope and discovering a naked Fontenot, Edwards realizes the mistake and turns the telescope to his left. The camera, with a point-of-view shot through the telescope, however, pans to the right to reveal a naked Shaquinna.

---

Quotes

Pratt: [Picks up Bidwell's ear from the dirt] Look at me. I'm going to make an experiment.
[Starts talking into the ear]
Pratt: Hello, Bidwell? Can you hear me?
Bidwell: I can hear you, Pratt.
Pratt: It works.
Edwards: Well, of course, it works. He's standing right... Let's get some sleep.

---

Alternate Versions

A scene featuring Edwards' sweetheart, played by Parker Posey, was cut, as was the film's original ending. The re-shot ending did not include Bokeem Woodbine, resulting in his character Jonah disappearing after the fight against the conquistadors.

---

Connections

Featured in Movie Nights: Birdemic (2011)

---

Soundtracks

Lullaby
(uncredited)
Written by Johannes Brahms
Performed by Hamilton Camp

User Reviews

Incredible

For a comedy that got trashed in reviews and rediculed by movie-goers, I find this movie to be incredibly funny. The first time I saw the movie was in the theater at which time I laughed at the "obvious" laugh-parts, but it was not until I had seen it another two or three times before I picked up on the absolutely hysterical dialogue, terriffic comedy styles of the various supporting characters, and the sheer brilliance and irony the script presents. If you know anything about history, this movie becomes instantly funny. If you are a fan of almost Simpsons-style "random" humor, this film is instantly funny. Never be turned off by the first glance of this film. If you dismiss it as "poor comedy" you will be missing out.

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

29 May 1998 (USA)

Also Known As:

Almost History

Filming Locations:

Helena National Forrest, Montana, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$30,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$2,837,928, 31 May 1998

Gross USA:

$6,136,856

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$6,136,856

Company Credits

Production Co:

Turner Pictures (I), DiNovi Pictures

Technical Specs

Runtime:

90 min

Sound Mix:

DTS Dolby Digital SDDS

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1