Melvin, a reluctant hero who is far from super, has been suppressing his telekinetic powers for years with booze, drugs, and women. In the process, he has failed at practically everything, most of all as a parent to his son. After a brush with death, Melvin decides to use his powers for good and clean up the streets of New Orleans with the help of his best friend/definitely-not-a-sidekick, Lucille. For a man who can do the impossible, it might be a fight even he can’t win.
A Dorff sideshow first and foremost, "American Hero" is far too casual with Melvin's character arc, and the appeal of superhuman abilities.
– Nick Allen,
RogerEbert.com,
11 Dec 2015
fresh:
Writer-director Nick Love brings an enticingly quirky sensibility to the kaleidoscopic action, infusing his offbeat tale with raucous charm and a big, sloppy heart.
– Gary Goldstein,
Los Angeles Times,
10 Dec 2015
rotten:
"American Hero" starts off seeming as if it is going to be a fresh take on superheroes, but Nick Love, who wrote and directed, turns out to have nowhere to go with his intriguing premise.
– Neil Genzlinger,
New York Times,
10 Dec 2015
rotten:
The filmmakers blend tones like a child mixing fountain drinks into one unidentifiable flavor.