“Almost Heroes” is a slapstick comedy about two bumbling adventurers who embark on a perilous journey westward to beat Lewis and Clark to the Pacific. Directed by Christopher Guest, the film stars Chris Farley and Matthew Perry as hapless explorers tasked with discovering the uncharted territory and bringing back valuable trade goods. Along the way, they encounter various obstacles ranging from the treacherous terrain to hostile Native Americans, all while maintaining their unwavering sense of determination amidst constant failures. Despite their numerous mishaps, they manage to stumble upon unexpected friendship and unforeseen opportunities for success.
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Review
Almost Heroes: The Story of Perseverance and Laughter
When we think of great films that stand the test of time, classics like Casablanca or The Godfather come to mind. But what about those hidden gems that have been overlooked by the masses? One such movie is Almost Heroes, a comedy adventure flick released in 1998 starring Chris Farley and Matthew Perry. Despite receiving mixed reviews upon its release, Almost Heroes has managed to earn a cult following over the years.
The storyline of Almost Heroes follows two bumbling explorers, Bartholomew Hunt (Chris Farley) and Leslie Edwards (Matthew Perry), as they race to be the first to reach the Pacific Ocean. Along their journey, they encounter a host of obstacles and setbacks which test their mettle. From facing hostile Native Americans to dealing with dysentery, Hunt and Edwards must summon all their wit and courage to overcome these challenges.
Even though Almost Heroes was not a commercial success, it remains a beloved film among fans for its slapstick humor and goofy characters. Chris Farley’s portrayal of Bartholomew Hunt is particularly noteworthy. His natural talent for physical comedy shines in every scene he appears in.
The film also boasts an impressive cast beyond Farley and Perry. Eugene Levy plays the stuffy scientist who accompanies Hunt and Edwards on their journey while Kevin Dunn portrays the pompous leader of a rival exploration team. There are also some notable cameos from actors like Lisa Barbuscia (who later changed her name to Lisa B.), Christian Clemenson, and Harry Shearer.
Behind the scenes, Almost Heroes had an interesting production history as well. It was directed by Christopher Guest who had previously directed mockumentaries Waiting for Guffman and Best in Show. However, Guest’s initial version of Almost Heroes was reportedly much darker than what audiences saw on screen.
According to an interview with Matthew Perry on The Howard Stern Show, test audiences did not respond well to the darker version of the film. As a result, the studio brought in a new editor to rework the film and add more humor. This decision ultimately led to the release of Almost Heroes as we know it today.
While Almost Heroes may not have won any awards or become a box office smash, it still holds a special place in many hearts. As Chris Farley’s final film before his untimely death in 1997, it serves as a tribute to his comedic genius. And beyond that, it reminds us that sometimes perseverance and laughter are all we need to face life’s challenges and come out victorious.
In conclusion, Almost Heroes is a testament to the power of comedy and the resilience of the human spirit. Despite its flaws and initial reception, it has earned a place in cinematic history as an underdog that persevered. So next time you’re looking for a laugh or some inspiration, give Almost Heroes a chance – you might just be pleasantly surprised by what you find. As Chris Farley said in the film, “I’m not dead yet!” – and neither is this gem of a movie.
Technical Data
- Release : 1998-05-29
- Runtime : 90
- Genre : Adventure, Comedy, Western
- Cast : Chris Farley as Bartholomew Hunt, Matthew Perry as Leslie Edwards, Bokeem Woodbine as Jonah, Barry Del Sherman as Sergeant, Eugene Levy as Guy Fontenot
- Crew : Denise Di Novi as Producer, Ronald Roose as Editor, Adam Kimmel as Director of Photography, Chad Stahelski as Stunts, David Leitch as Stunts
- Revenue : $6,100,000
- Budget : $30,000,000
- Company : Di Novi Pictures, Turner Pictures (I)
- Popularity : 12.122
- Summary : Two hapless explorers lead an ill-fated 1804 expedition through the Pacific Northwest in a hopeless, doomed effort to reach the Pacific Ocean before Lewis and Clark.
- Tagline : Almost History… Almost Legends… Mostly Ridiculous.
