Almost Heroes (1998)

The first must-see film of the year.

The story-telling is good with flashbacks.The film is both funny and heartbreaking. You smile in a scene and get a soulcrushing revelation in the next.

It’s fine. It's literally the definition of a fine movie. You’ve seen it before, you know every beat and outcome before the characters even do. Only question is how much escapism you’re looking for.

It is a whirlwind of delight --- attractive actors, stunning couture, spectacular sets and outrageous parties. It's a feast for the eyes. But what really makes this dramedy work is the acting.

Almost Heroes (1998): Dir: Christopher Guest / Cast: Chris Farley, Matthew Perry, Eugene Levy, Kevin Dunn; Bokeem Woodbine: Matthew Perry and Chris Farley are armature heroes that never quite pull through. Perry saves Farley from being hung and they lead a group of travelers to the Pacific. Ridiculous climax has Farley grasping eagle talons without thought by screenwriter that Farley is too big. Directed by Christopher Guest who does achieve a few good sight jokes including one where Farley quests to obtain an egg for medical purposes. Much of the humour is vulgar including one sap's shared experience regarding sheep dung. Farley's final film appearance before his untimely death. He plays his usual loud obnoxious overplay. Perry has comic prospects but his role is a prop. Drab supporting roles include Eugene Levy as the father of a woman whom Perry moves in on. Obviously she leads him on just as the director did when he signed him on. Plus Kevin Dunn appears in pursuit of the duo as these films usually go. There is a few visual sight jokes that work but much of the film just represents a poor choice in film for Farley to unfortunately conclude his career on. What is equally unfortunate is that none of his films are any good at all. Very stupid comedy stressing that Almost Heroes is almost funny, almost effective, and a complete waste of time. Score: 3 / 10

Let me just say I am by no means a fan of Chris Farley. He's done a few good things, understood physical comedy and might have someday been the next big thing. But he's not, in retrospect, anything amazing. Everyone knows "Black Sheep" and "Tommy Boy" are the same movie, and all he really gave to this film was the same shtick of flapping his arms and grunting. Which is not my cup of tea. And Matthew Perry? Maybe he's just ingrained in my mind as Chandler Bing, but this role seemed so wrong.This is the story of two men who are trying to race Lewis and Clark to the Pacific Ocean in 1804. Although, this is only the background to a film about Perry trying to steal another man's wife and an ongoing battle against a Spaniard obsessed with his hair.The film is not really very funny (especially after you write off Farley) and seemed to me to be in a similar vein to "Cannibal the Musical", except being that Cannibal was infinitely funnier and relied on no name actors and no budget. So, thank you Hollywood for blowing millions on a film that was poorly made and not very special... I'm sure Farley wanted this to be his swan song.I have nothing really great to say about this film, but I don't want to keep tearing it a new one because I already know people stand against me on this. Well, they can have this movie and watch it until their DVD player starts smoking. I hope I never see this film ever again. (Although, I guess after recently seeing "The Ringer" I could have done worse.)

I rated this movie a 10 just for fun. I would actually give this an 8. The story is very creative and very funny. I don't know why people have rated this so low. The movie is sort of kiddish, but it is funny and everybody should like Farley. Chris Farley always gives me a smile and it is sad he died. I will say this movie is one of my favorites of him, even if he plays the same role like he does in the other movies. The isn't exactly for children either even though it looks like it. If you are looking to enjoy a movie with good laughs and a good feeling, I would watch it, but if you are very critical of these types, I would most likely recommend a different movie. But Farley fans aren't fans unless they see this. I give this an 8 out of 10/ PG-13-Crude Humor and Nudity

Not everyone likes this movie but I see why. Its very stupid but oh so funny. I laugh a lot when I watch this movie because the lines are hysterical. Farley and Perry steal the show in this uproarious movie but all the actors have funny lines to dish out. Like these for example. Higgins: THERE'S AN ANIMAL NOW! everyone except Edwards and Hunt starts firing at the animal Higgins: We can't kill it! We're all dead! God save us! Hunt: Hold your fire! Hold your fire! everyone stops firing. Hunt looks closely and sees that the animal is just a squirrel nibbling on a acorn. Hunt: It's only a squirrel. Pratt: He's got something in his hand! Guy Fontenot: Something in his hand! then they continue firing at the squirrel Bidwell returns to camp after a bear has bit off his leg. Bidwell: Sir, I've been to hell and back. Edwards: Yes, I can see that... Bidwell: I suspect that you'll want to lead a hunting party to slay that terrible beast. Edwards: Well, yes, that thought did cross my mind briefly. But now I have a better idea. Bidwell: Yes, sir? Edwards: I shall fashion for you the finest wooden leg you've ever seen. Bidwell: But what about the bear? Edwards: Rest assured, Bidwell, in 20 years or so, the ravages of old age will deal with the bear far more cruelly than we ever could have. Bidwell: Revenge is sweet, sir.So if you like movies that are stupid yet funny this is a great one to watch.