Almost Heroes (1998)
Synopsis:
Two bumbling explorers, Bartholomew Hunt and Leslie Edwards, embark on a chaotic expedition through the Pacific Northwest with the ambitious goal of reaching the Pacific Ocean before the famous Lewis and Clark expedition. Accompanied by their guide Jonah and a motley crew including Sergeant, Guy Fontenot, Shaquinna, Father Girard, and Jackson, this ill-fated journey becomes a comedy of errors as the hapless adventurers face one ridiculous mishap after another. Despite their determination to make history and become legends, their expedition proves to be hopelessly doomed from the start. This adventure-comedy follows their misguided trek through the wilderness, where their lack of preparation and constant blunders turn what should be a historic achievement into an absurd race against time and their own incompetence.
Where To Watch: Almost Heroes
Parental Feedback
Almost Heroes delivers fast-paced slapstick comedy centered on two bumbling explorers racing against Lewis and Clark to reach the Pacific Ocean in 1804. Parents should expect broad physical humor and comedic misadventures throughout the Pacific Northwest expedition, with a lighthearted tone that prioritizes laughs over historical accuracy. The humor style leans heavily on pratfalls and character-driven comedy, maintaining an energetic pace that keeps the adventure moving from one mishap to the next.
Why Kids Should Watch Almost Heroes
This adventure comedy offers several elements that can entertain and engage younger viewers.
The expedition setting provides a backdrop for exploring themes of perseverance and determination, as the characters push forward despite numerous obstacles. Their journey through the wilderness showcases the challenges of early American exploration in an accessible, comedic format.
The buddy dynamic between the two lead explorers demonstrates how unlikely partnerships can form and evolve. Their contrasting personalities create opportunities for teamwork lessons as they navigate the wilderness together.
The adventure elements keep the story moving with various challenges and encounters during the expedition. The Pacific Northwest setting offers visual variety and introduces different scenarios that maintain interest throughout the runtime.
The comedic approach makes historical exploration more approachable for younger audiences. By framing the Lewis and Clark era through a humorous lens, it can spark curiosity about this period of American history.
Why Kids Shouldn't Watch Almost Heroes
Parents may want to consider several factors before viewing with younger children.
The PG-13 rating suggests content that may not be suitable for all ages. Some humor and situations may be more appropriate for older children and teens rather than younger viewers.
The slapstick comedy style relies heavily on physical mishaps and pratfalls that could be imitated. Parents should be prepared to discuss why certain behaviors shown for laughs shouldn't be repeated in real life.
The portrayal of the expedition as "hopeless" and "doomed" emphasizes failure and incompetence rather than success. This negative framing might not provide the most inspiring message about persistence and achievement for impressionable viewers.
Verdict: Parent Approved
Almost Heroes earns conditional approval for families with older children who enjoy broad comedy and can distinguish between slapstick humor and real-world behavior.
What Parents Should Know About Almost Heroes
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Does this Movie model positive behavior that my child can understand and repeat? | The characters demonstrate persistence in their expedition, though much of the behavior is exaggerated for comedic effect rather than as positive examples to follow. |
| Does this Movie include emotional moments my child might find confusing or intense? | The tone remains primarily comedic throughout, with most potentially tense expedition moments played for laughs rather than genuine drama. |
| Does this Movie show consequences for unkind or unsafe behavior? | The comedic mishaps serve as natural consequences for the characters' poor planning and bumbling actions during their journey. |
| Does this Movie reinforce helpful social skills like sharing, apologizing, or teamwork? | The partnership between the two explorers requires them to work together despite their differences, modeling basic teamwork under challenging circumstances. |
| Will my child come away with any clear moral or message? | The primary takeaway centers on perseverance and not giving up, even when facing seemingly insurmountable obstacles and setbacks. |
The Overall Sentiment From Parental Feedback
Parents generally view Almost Heroes as harmless entertainment best suited for older children and teens who appreciate physical comedy. Many note that the slapstick humor and adventure elements can be enjoyable for family viewing, though the PG-13 rating reflects content that requires parental discretion for younger viewers. Families appreciate the historical setting as a conversation starter about American exploration, even though the comedic treatment takes significant liberties with accuracy. Most feedback suggests pre-screening for parents unsure about age-appropriateness, as individual family standards vary regarding acceptable humor styles. The consensus indicates this works well for casual family movie nights when seeking lighthearted entertainment without heavy themes or intense drama.
Official Almost Heroes Trailer
Why Kids Love Almost Heroes
Bartholomew Hunt and Leslie Edwards stumble through the Pacific Northwest wilderness in a race against time, creating non-stop chaos with every step. Their ill-fated expedition turns into a comedy of errors as these two hapless explorers bump into trees, trip over rocks, and turn simple tasks into spectacular disasters that keep kids giggling.
The slapstick moments pile up as Hunt and Edwards prove they're possibly the worst explorers ever. Whether they're getting tangled in vines, falling into rivers, or accidentally scaring away their own supplies, their physical comedy and pratfalls deliver laugh-out-loud entertainment. Every attempt to navigate the wilderness becomes a new opportunity for ridiculous mishaps.
Kids love watching this mismatched duo try to prove themselves worthy explorers while everything goes hilariously wrong. The awkward situations multiply as they encounter obstacles they're completely unprepared for, from dealing with wild animals to simply trying to set up camp. Their bumbling teamwork somehow keeps them moving forward despite constant near-misses and comedic failures.
The expedition's race to reach the Pacific Ocean before Lewis and Clark adds exciting chase energy to all the silly jokes. With characters like Jonah, Guy Fontenot, and others joining the adventure, the group's exploration through nature becomes an unpredictable journey filled with pranks, stumbles, and laugh-out-loud moments at every turn.