Unsung Hero Blu-ray Review
“Unsung Hero” focuses on the wrong story.
Based on a true story, 2024’s “Unsung Hero” is a faith based film about the Smallbone family comprised of husband/father David, his pregnant wife/mother Helen, and their 6 children Rebecca, Daniel, Ben, Joel, Luke and Joshua. Set in 1991, the story begins in Australia where the family initially resides. After David’s music business flops and the family is left broke, the Smallbone fam is forced to move to Nashville where David allegedly has a new job set up. Upon arrival, he discovers that the job has fallen through. Not knowing what to do next, the family scrapes by with cleaning and landscaping jobs. They receive help from the community, friends and church, but the prideful David is put off by the generosity and feels like a failure. The family just might find the answer to their prayers though when Rebecca decides to pursue a music career.
Written and directed by Richard Ramsey and Joel Smallbone, “Unsung Hero” is a Christian biographical film about the Smallbone film that also stars Joel Smallbone playing his father David. The Smallbone family is most famous for their musical acts Rebecca St. James and for King & Country, but they are not the focus of this film. As the title hints at, the story is more of a tribute to Helen Smallbone- the unsung hero and the glue that kept the family together through thick and thin. For those that were hoping to get a biopic about Rebecca St. James or for King & Country (which Joel Smallbone is a member of), you don’t get that here (although they are touched upon). That would have been the better story.
In the words of Dominic Toretto, the story we do get is all about “Family.” The plot is dedicated to the Smallbone family’s move to the U.S. and the struggles they endured. It’s a well meaning and ultimately uplifting story about sacrifice, family, and faith, but it’s entirely safe and formulaic. It also feels like this should have been about a quarter of the larger story about the Smallbone family. It comes across more like an on the nose TV movie filled with stilted dialogue, weepy moments, and a whole lot of talk about miracles.
The cast is pretty solid (especially Daisy Betts) considering none of the main stars are notable actors. A few of the supporting cast members may look familiar though with Terry O’Quinn (sporting a dreadful Australian accent), Candace Cameron Bure, and Lucas Black making appearances.
If faith based movies are your jam, “Unsung Hero” is definitely for you. If you’re looking for something more challenging and less factory made, this is decidedly not for you.
Video/Audio:
Presentation: 2.39:1 1080p. Grade: B+
Audio Track: 5.1 DTS-HD MA. Grade: B+
Extras:
* Digital copy
* DVD copy
* Commentary by writers/directors Joe Smallbone and Richard L. Ramsey and producers Joshua Walsh and Luke Smallbone.
* 6 deleted scenes
* Theatrical trailer
* “Miracles Are Everywhere: The Making Of Unsung Hero” featurette.
* “Compassion” finds Luke and Rebecca Smallbone discussing the charity.
* “Faith In The Journey”- A faith based extra.
* “The Bridge Is Out!”- Animated short film.
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