Everyone's Hero Movie
Storyline
TAGLINES
No matter where life takes you, always keep swinging.
"Everyone's Hero" is a heartwarming comedy-adventure, telling the story of a young boy's thousand-mile journey to help Babe Ruth and the New York Yankees win the World Series. The project's theme of perseverance against all odds was inspired by the film's originating director and executive producer, Christopher Reeve.
| William H. Macy | Lefty Maginnis |
| Rob Reiner | Screwie |
| Brian Dennehy | Babe Ruth |
| Robert Wagner | Mr. Robinson |
| Richard Kind | Hobo Andy/Maitre |
| Jason Harris | Announcer |
| Jake T. Austin | Yankee Irving |
| Joe Torre | Yankees' Manager |
| Mandy Patinkin | Stanley Irving |
| Forest Whitaker | Lonnie Brewster |
| Ritchie Allen | Officer Bryant/Additional Voices |
| Jesse Bronstein | Sandlot Kid #1 |
| Ralph Coppola | Sandlot Kid #2 |
| Ed Helms | Hobo Louie |
| Ray Iannicelli | Conductors/Umpire |
5.50 out of 10 (1438 votes)
Visitor Reviews
A few funny moments in an otherwise disappointing movie
posted on 20 Aug 2009I should have walked out of the room when I realized the premise was that the 1932 New York Yankees were the hapless victims of a plot by the dastardly owner of the Chicago Cubs. When this movie was being made, Cubs fans were looking back at nearly a century of futility. The decision to go with that plot is the first sign that the creative minds behind this project lack sensible perspective. I am not a Cubs fan, but a much better movie (and message) would be about a Cubs fan trying to help his team in the face of tough odds.The many glaring historical and factual errors in this movie also made it difficult to watch. Even my ten year old daughter noticed that, in one scene, home plate was oriented the wrong way. During a World Series game.I am not going to go into the problems with the plot, the mixed messages given about the challenges children face and how they might overcome them, and bizarre perspective on risk--other reviewers have covered that. I will say that the characters of the parents were presented with less depth than found in the Sunday comics. And for some reason, the worst villains in the movie are redheads.I laughed at some of the visual comedy. My son laughed at the snot jokes.
Family and Baseball: An American Movie
posted on 19 Aug 2009EVERYONE'S HERO is a charming, heartwarming, and delightful animated film about a young boy who loves baseball and leaves home to help his hero, Babe Ruth, and save his dad's job. The film includes an impressive cast of talented voice actors: Brian Dennehy, Whoopi Goldberg, Jake Austin, William H. Macy, Richard Kind, Mandy Patinkin, Rob Reiner, Raven-Symone, Robert Wagner, and even Joe Torre as the Yankee's Manager.
The year is 1932. "Yankee" Irving (Jake Austin) is a ten-year-old boy who lives in New York and loves baseball, but no matter how hard he tries he always ends up striking out and falling down. Yankee becomes frustrated and almost gives up until he finds a talking baseball (Rob Reiner). He names the ball Screwie and Screwie becomes Yankee's companion and, on a different level, a part of his conscious. Yankee's dad works at Yankee Stadium. The Yankee's are beating the Chicago Cubs in the World Series and the Cubs' owner (Robert Wagner) hatches a plan to have his dirtiest player, Lefty Maginnis (William H. Macy), steal Babe Ruth's bat, Darlin' (Whoopi Goldberg). Lefty runs into Yankee before he steals Darlin'. When Yankee's father is fired because of the missing bat, Yankee realizes what has happened and sets out to get Darlin' back and return her to the Babe. The journey takes Yankee from NewYork to Chicago. Along the way he meets some friendly hobos (actually most hobos in that period were friendly) and has an encounter with some baseball players in the Negro Leagues.
The movie vividly recreates the images of the early 1930s and the colorful palette is quite pleasing. At the film's heart is a message of determination and perseverance, even when the odds are stacked against a person. Tied to that message is an affection and love for baseball as well as a nod to the injustice of poverty and racism.
There are some inaccuracies with the historical basis of the film. For instance, the Yankees did play the Cubs in the 1932 World Series, but the series only lasted four games, not seven. Yet, where the film veers from history for dramatic effect, it makes up for it in other areas, such as the details in the uniforms of the Cincinnati Tigers' Negro League team. Some might be confused by the lack of specific style in EVERYONE'S HERO: at times the film looks like a sophisticated piece of animation that is almost Pixar-worthy, while there are other times the film veers into antics similar to the hijinxes of the Road Runner, Wylie Coyote, Bugs Bunny, and other Warner Brother characters. Personally, I enjoyed this uneven-style because it grounded the film in reality, while reminding viewers it's just a cartoon.
I thoroughly enjoyed EVERYONE'S HERO. It's a great animated baseball picture with important and strong messages about determination and the importance of family. The film brings recognition to forgotten elements of American history, e.g. the Negro Leagues and hobos. It's a film full of promise and hope. It is also the last project Christopher Reeve worked on before his death and for film buffs the movie is worth watching for that fact alone. But like many of the films Reeve made, EVERYONE'S HERO appeals to a much broader audience, not just children and baseball fans. It's a movie that calls out to the hero in everyone.
Great Family Film With Classic Potential
posted on 15 Aug 2009"Everyone's Hero" is a wonderful tale about a young boy whose father is fired from his job at Yankee Stadium when Babe Ruth's bat is stolen on his watch. The boy knows who stole the bat and sets out to reclaim it for the Babe and to save his father's much needed job. The young boy, Yankee Irving, is a huge dreamer, who hopes to one day play for the Yankees. He picks up quite a friend in Screwie (Rob Reiner), a Major League foul ball who hesitantly agrees to help Yankee recover the bat as long as the boy promises to leave him to rot in the sandlot where Yankee found him.
Yankee meets quite a motley crew on his travels from New York to Chicago. He runs into some kind-hearted hobos, a young girl named Marti (Raven), who gets him in touch with her father, Rooster Brewster of the Negro League, who's team just happens to be headed to Chicago. He also runs into the villainous Lefty Maginnis (William H. Macy), a washed out pitcher who thinks that by stealing Babe's bat, Darlin', he can save his job with the Chicago Cubs and win the World Series.
The story moves at a wonderful pace and holds the attention of both children and adults. My daughter went crazy when Screwie and Darlin' went at each other, and the antics of Lefty had everyone laughing. It features an all-star cast including those aforementioned and Robert Wagner, Whoopi Goldberg, Mandy Patinkin, and Brian Dennehy as Babe Ruth. Joe Torre plays the manager of the Yanks and Dana Reeve plays Yankee's mom. Of course, Reeve and her husband, Christopher Reeve (who initially directed this film), both passed away before seeing this film come to life on the screen. They should both be proud of their work done on this film.
If you love baseball, strong family bonds, slapstick comedy, or nostalgia, I highly recommend you see this film. Rest assured that you don't have to be a sports fan to enjoy this film, but for those of us who do, it's nice to see not only the Babe get some screen time, but Lou Gehrig as well.
A highly recommend, future classic, family film.
For Love Of The Game...
posted on 13 Jul 2009Yankee Irving (Jake T. Austin) was born to New York fans with a love of baseball. His hero, of course, is the iconic Babe Ruth(Brian Dennehy). His biggest problem is that he can't actually play. Things are still pretty cool for him, though, because his dad works at Yankee Stadium and, just about anytime he wants, Yankee can imagine himself batting in a major league game.After what looks like his final game, Yankee finds an old baseball under a wrecked car. He takes it home and soon finds that it can speak only to him and be heard only by him. (Yes, it's a stretch, but hang on.} The ball, named Screwy (Rob Reiner) is as done with baseball as Yankee, having begun and ended his career on a foul. They both find that baseball is not done with them, however, when they discover that the Babe's legendary bat, Darlin' (Whoopi Goldberg), is missing and presumed stolen. Now with the World Series and Mr. Irving's job on the line, Yankee and Screwy begin a wild journey to Chicago to make things right again.This movie, while it seems typical on the surface, is not. It's not just a sports movie, a buddy movie, or a road trip movie, but all those things, and a little more. Make no mistake, there is a target market. Baseball fans will definitely dig it. I'm not really a fan--I played in high school, and we never won. But baseball, while prominent to the plot, is one of the skins wrapped around the substance; at its heart is a story about the importance of family and persistence, making it a nice tribute to the Reeves. A few surprises abound, such as Yankee's exposure to a Negro Leauge team, who are front and center to teach the kid how to bat. Arguably, the best part of the film.While the general flow of the script is pedestrian, the acting, presentation, and overall look are enough to hold the interest of most movie lovers. The characters have great, well, character, and that helps to put it over. Even William H. Macy's take on villainous Chicago pitcher Lefty MacGinnis is goofy enough to be lovable. At the bottom line, there's nothing wildly innovative, but there is an entertaining film. You'll have a good enough time, even if you hate baseball.
"Everyone's Hero" - A Review
posted on 08 Jun 2009"Everyone's Hero" is the story of one boy's plight turned adventure to rescue Babe Ruth's bat, Darlin, in order to save his father's job. Besides the villians being utterly ridiculous and pushing the bill for the need for editing in order to maintain a G rating, the story is compelling, and my young son really likes it. I, however, continuously question the appropriateness of the movie for small children.
5 year old loved it
posted on 20 May 2009This is a fun film for the 5-9 year old age group. My 5 year old son laughed out loud and wanted to watch it again and again. And found the baseball to be quite funny. Rob Riener should do more cartoon voices. The plot was a good plot for a child to follow and entertaining for adults that need to sit through the movie. It has a nice moral particularly for fiver year olds which seem to be identifying with their limitations. The message to keep trying is a great moral for young children need to hear more of. The movie had great character voices and bad guys that wouldn't scare many children...my two year old was not frightened at all by the "bad guys". I would recommend it for any parent. I wish a few of bad words like stupid were not part of the movie and that I wish my five year old didn't hear in a G-rated but otherwise quite clean.
Good Family entertainment
posted on 05 May 2009It seems that almost all the "Family" movies put out these days have a 'PG' rating which means you still have to censor it for small children. My wife is a kindergarten teacher and is always looking for actual 'G' rated films that she can show in class without getting complaints from parents or the movie being b-grade, straight to DVD, crap. This movie isn't a blockbuster, but it's very entertaining and safe for everyone. I even laughed out loud at several parts so it can appeal to the whole family. It's a great movie to have in your collection that you don't have to worry about your kids learning bad things from.
**1/2 = No offense Christopher Reeve, but that film was mediocre
posted on 27 Apr 2009When I first heard that Christopher Reeve passed away, I was very upset. He was great playing Superman in the old Superman films made in the 1970s and 1980s. He was much, much better than the new one, Brandon Routh in "Superman Returns." He was a great actor and a great Superman legend. I even felt bad that Dana Reeve passed away and now that poor Will Reeve, at age 12, is now an orphan.
I wanted to see "Everyone's Hero," because I felt sorry for Christopher and Dana Reeve for passing away, and that now, Will is an orphan. Not only that, I am into baseball along with basketball, but mostly, I love computer animated movies. Unfortunately, I missed that movie when it was in theaters. But, however, I recently rented it from the library on DVD, and I would like to say that it was pretty mediocre.
Sorry that I am dissapointing all of you guies. Forgive me, please.
"Everyone's Hero" tells the story of a perky 10-year-old boy named Yankee Irving (Jake T. Austin). His dad works at Yankee Stadium. Yankee's an only child living with his mother and his father near Yankee Stadium as well. Yankee wishes and dreams that he can play for the Yankees.
But one morning, his parents got too harsh on him after they all find out that Babe Ruth's (Brian Dennehy) bat was stolen. His dad, unfortunately, lost his job. But Yankee has an ambitious idea to get his job back by going to Chicago to find Babe Ruth's bat. (The Yankees were scheduled to play in Chicago within 1-2 weeks, so it was a good idea for Yankee.)
So, Yankee goes to Chicago only to find out that the guy who stole Babe Ruth's bat was Lefty Maginnis (William H. Macy). The ball Screwie (Rob Reiner) starts to talk along with Babe's bat named Darlin' (Whoopi Goldberg). Now, Yankee has to go to Chicago by himself to find Babe Ruth and give him back his bat in person. But, Yankee's parents get nervous and find him. Will they every find him in time for Yankee to give him back his bat?
Usually, I don't mind Whoopi Goldberg too much in comdies, but not in animated movies. She was okay in "The Lion King" as one of the hienas. Like Martin Short in movies, Whoopi Goldberg is much more funnier on TV. But usually, her jokes can get a little old at times, but she's talented at most points. Although, some of the voice casting is good when it comes to an unexpected talent like William H. Macy.
The animation was okay, not really too computerized for a good computer animated movie. But I couldn't get the story too often, and it runs really slow. I am a big fan of the Yankees and the Knicks for a sports team, but the story to "Everyone's Hero" didn't really surprise me enough for a movie. Usually, I don't go too crazy over animated movies made by 20th Century Fox, although for sure, I did enjoy the "Ice Age" movies, and I will see "The Simpsons Movie."
There's a little you can expect with such a small single-disc DVD to a 20th Century Fox movie, or animated movie, like "Everyone's Hero." Although, it does feature a nice commentary by Co-Directors Colin Brady and Dan St. Pierre along with writers Jeff Hand and Rob Kurtz. The movie does feature a Full Screen version on Side A and a Widescreen version on Side B, which would look good for a 20th Century Fox DVD with both Widescreen and Full Screen versions. Usually, the Full Screen side is suppose to be better, because you're looking at the top of the DVD, but I perfer watching a movie in widescreen.
Although, I did enjoy some of the featurettes. What I thought was VERY nice was that there was a featurette of a tribute to Christopher Reeve. It IS very sad that poor Christopher Reeve and his wife Dana Reeve had passed away, and it really killed me when I heard about it. The "Making Everyone's Hero: The Little Guy's Journey" was a very sweet featurette to include on the DVD. So, the DVD can feature some nice material, but it would just be nice on one little disc.
If you like baseball movies, you should consider "Everyone's Hero" an animated movie that you should see. Although taken in part that I felt bad for Christopher Reeve, the movie was just mediocre. Could've been a little bit better, but it'll do for an average movie.
Great Kids Movie
posted on 02 Apr 2009My 7 year old daughter loved it. I liked it too. I was really surprised how much my daughter liked it. I never knew Christopher Reeve was making it when he passed away. It appears his wife Dana Reeve continued the project and the movie is dedicated to their legend, This film should only enhance his legacy. There are also some great actors lending their voices to this movie. While not 100% historically correct it can introduce young kids to the legend of Babe Ruth and the New York Yankees. I can't understand how people can knock this animated cartoon when it's intended audience loves it so much. I am giving it a 9 out of 10 because the animation was great and it was good entertainment.
this was a good movie, some of you siskel and ebert wanna-be's need a real job
posted on 17 Mar 2009"I lost Interest at the talking baseball."? "It wasn't realistic"? If you went to an animated KID's movie expecting "Citezen Kane" You're loony.I liked this movie, it was quite fun. Not everybody likes every film, but some of the reasoning here escapes me. Babe Ruth stuff was cool, the nod to the negro leagues was neat. The characters were interesting. I watched it on pay-per-view with about 7 kids who stayed up late to watch it, everyone had a good time. It seems that some people go to the movies mad at the world, and it's the film's fault they have a bad time.
Fun AND Heartwarming for the WHOLE Family!
posted on 13 Mar 2009My six year old niece and I saw Everyone's Hero today because it was the only kid's movie playing in our small town that we had not seen yet. I am so glad that we did see it.A great story on the surface of a boy who sets out to help his hero, Babe Ruth, as well as his father. There was much more depth to the movie than most critics are giving it credit for.There are lessons on bullying, (Yankee Irving, the main character is bullied) cheating, (The owner of the other team sets out to steal Babe's bat so his team can win the World Series) even racial and social acceptance. (Yankee gets help from band of hobos and a Negro League team)There are no pop culture references, although a few historical inaccuracies,(like bobble-head Babe Ruth) but come on, the bat and ball talk for heaven's sake, so I think the inaccuracies are minor.Although Everyone's Hero had a great message and was wonderful for families, I would not call it a Disney-material movie. It wasn't scary enough for that. (Be honest, who WASN'T terrified by the witch in Snow White, the whale in Pinocchio, or even the death of Bambi's mom?) Go and see it and enjoy it for what it is. Great family fare.
If ya like baseball ...you'll love this film!
posted on 08 Mar 2009This little film is a little charmer. Thought provoking, endearing, totally wild and entertaining all mixed into one. If you like baseball at all, you'll have a blast... if you LOVE baseball, this film will touch you with the way it weaves history into the game! Great for kids, cool to watch with them and talk about the game! About the game that is and the game that was! There's a reason why it had such a brilliant cast and production team (I mean, c'mon - Christopher Reeve, Dana Reeve (a little gift they left behind), Rob Reiner, Whoopi Goldberg, Forest Whitaker, William H. Macy, Brian Dennehy, Mandy Patinkin, Joe Torre... !! Beautiful in it's simplicity... great characters...GREAT storytelling! Fun fun stuff!
Swing and a Miss
posted on 14 Jan 2009Usually, i am pretty forgiving when it comes to rating movies, but this movie deserves no forgiveness. This movie is utter nonsense. Like most other baseball movies, it does cover the idea of never giving up no matter how bleak the odds look, but unlike other baseball movies, the message just does not ring true. The message about not giving up is not a constant during the movie, and is instead replaced with slapstick comedy, and booger and fart jokes. This movie could have been very funny, but instead, fails at delivering time and again. The animation is fairly decent, and it is a clever idea for a story, but in the end, every part of this movie falls thru. All in all, not even a good movie for "just the kids". Oh, and if you are a Chicago Cubs fan (which I am, seeing as that I am from the windy city) there is a TON of slandering in this movie, making the Cubs out to be cheaters, thieves, and idiots. If you are a Cubs fan, STAY AWAY AT ALL COSTS. This movie will just make you mad.
What a nice surprise
posted on 10 Jan 2009It is Wednesday night, and I was bored. So I went to the store to see if I can rent a new release to watch. Everything was rented out except for this film. I heard about the "talking baseball and bat", and so I figured this film would be good for a couple of amused chuckles. Boy, was I in for a pleasant surprise. Nice story, I like it. Though perhaps nothing in this film is groundbreaking, it is still quite a treat.Wow, I didn't know both Christopher and Dana Reeve were involved in this film. This is such a good film. If you are a kid at heart, even if you do not have any interest in baseball, you are going to like this film. It is fun, funny, and emotionally uplifting. If you are or were that kid who were made fun of or picked on, you'd probably like this film too. This is a true triumph-of-the-human-spirit story. It is a good film for the whole family to enjoy.
Thank you Hollywood for making a GREAT rated G movie!
posted on 17 Dec 2008Finally - a movie that I can take my four year old to that doesn't have any "bad" words! I think I heard one or two of the "s" words like shut up and stupid. But, otherwise, it was truly clean. I always heard that Christopher Reeve was a "good man" and I think this movie reflects just that. This is a wonderful movie that even adults will love. It had a great plot, action, and even a couple of "I didn't see that coming" scenes. There are two or three really good lessons that even the youngest of kids can learn from. Please go see this movie so that Hollywood will see that many folks still want wholesome entertainment. We need more Rated G movies like this!
Very Cute Movie
posted on 28 Aug 2009I don't know why this movie has taken such a hit or lack of interest. I rented it one day for my 4 year old, and we wound up watching about 20 times in a week! She absolutely loves the movie, and tells me all the time that it is her favorite. It is totally appropriate for kids, no foul language and the humor is cute for adults as well. The story line was very well done, and entertaining. The constant bickering back and forth between Screwy (ball) and Darlin' (bat) was very comical as well. Naturally the kid is going to be successful as being the hero, but the stuff he had to go thru along the way kept me interested also. Being a lifelong baseball fan and coach, the fact that finally someone involved the Negro Leagues was great to see. Yes, everyone was happy and fuzzy and no racial issues in the movie, but it is an animated kids movie. I keep reading how people had a problem with this movie not addressing the racial issues of the time, but it is a kids movie! Overall, I thought this was a very underrated movie and it is very entertaining. My wife even loves this movie! I have since purchased this movie on DVD and I'm sure we will get more than our money's worth. I gave it a 10 because is a very good movie and it hasn't gotten old yet. Forget the naysayers and see this movie and decide for yourself.