Nerds That Geek Movie Review: ‘American Hero’

Written by Scott Edwards

There are so many things in life that can hold you back from your potential and some of us just decide that it might be too hard to move on. Taking the easy path of not trying something new because of what our past has shown us may not be the right way to deal with this. Not every outcome will be the same, even if the situation seems to be. You never know what the future will hold for you, especially if you do not fear the outcome good or bad. It is always good to keep looking forward for the next opportunity since they do not always present themselves in the most opportune times. 

Melvin acts like he is down on his luck, but he is living the life that he has made for himself. With drugs and alcohol being his primary reason for living, he is also looking to become a father to his son who lives with his ex. With his best friend Luce trying to keep him pointed in the right direction, Melvin veers off the path and always falls back into his old habits. Having the power to control objects with his mind, Melvin has never attempted to even remotely become a role model, much less a person that wants to be in front of the cameras, he just wants to get by with his friends.

Never being the bad guy, Melvin has used his powers here and there to take out the evil element around town that the police are too busy to deal with. But this cannot be told to the courts to help him get his son back and even though his ex, Doreen knows what he is capable of, she will not allow her son to be around him when he is still battling his inner demons. Melvin tries to clean up, but it will take a life changing event to make it happen once and for all. Partying every day and night has taken its toll on Melvin and even his superpower cannot stop the inevitable from happening to him, since he still is a mortal man. Getting a second chance, Melvin tries to prove to Doreen, Luce and himself that he can be the man he was destined to be, and at least to be a part of his son’s life for another day.

Shot in documentary style, I would say that this is really more of a character study than a superhero movie. But you do have a superhero in it who has put himself in a situation that he does not want to get out of, at least until he finds out that he will not be able to be a part of his son’s life if he doesn't change. His best friend Luce serves as Melvin's conscience and even when he is down, he knows that his friend needs a kick in the butt to make stuff happen for him. It was not what I expected from a superhero movie, but when you get an in depth look into what it is like to be a hero and you're not able to live up to the expectations that are thrust onto you, you get to see how different people with special abilities cope with their problems. A good movie and I must admit that it did shock me since I am not a huge fan on the documentary style movies.  

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