Almost Heroes Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Two guys try to get to the Pacific first, but mostly argue about who gets to name a fork.

🍿 Almost Heroes: Detailed Plot Synopsis

The Race to the Pacific Begins

In 1804, as Lewis and Clark embark on their famous expedition, Leslie Edwards, a privileged but inept explorer, decides to race them to the Pacific. He enlists Bartholomew Hunt, a rough-and-tumble frontiersman, as his guide, saving him from a hanging. Their contrasting personalities immediately clash, setting the stage for comedic mishaps.

A Motley Crew and Hilarious Misadventures

Edwards and Hunt assemble a ragtag team, including a questionable translator, Guy Fontenot, and Edwards’ enslaved man, Jonah. As they journey westward, the group encounters various obstacles, including dangerous wildlife, treacherous terrain, and hostile Native American tribes. Each challenge is met with slapstick humor and absurd solutions.

Conquistadors and a Final Showdown

The explorers face a final threat from a group of Spanish conquistadors led by the vengeful Hidalgo, who is obsessed with maintaining his perfect hair. A chaotic battle ensues, testing the team’s newly formed bonds and their ability to work together despite their differences. The outcome determines whether they can reach the Pacific before Lewis and Clark.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Bartholomew Hunt (Chris Farley): A boisterous and unconventional tracker who reluctantly guides the expedition, often relying on brute force and questionable wilderness skills.
• Leslie Edwards (Matthew Perry): An ambitious but inexperienced explorer determined to beat Lewis and Clark to the Pacific, despite his incompetence and naive worldview.
• Jonah (Bokeem Woodbine): Edwards’s quiet and resourceful servant who provides practical assistance while enduring his employer’s eccentricities.
• Guy Fontenot (Eugene Levy): A comical and unreliable translator who brings his Native American mistress along on the expedition, causing jealousy and complications.
• Shaquinna (Lisa Barbuscia): Fontenot’s attractive Native American mistress who becomes the object of desire and source of conflict among the expedition members.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Hunt: “I name this here fork ‘Pittsburgh Nellie’; a Welsh whore who could do things with her one good arm that’d make you forget that *thing* on her neck.” – Hunt humorously christens a geographical landmark with a rather colorful name.
• Edwards: “Don’t you think I tried that.” – Edwards says it when asked why he didn’t get William Clark to be their tracker.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $30,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $6,136,856
• Worldwide Gross: $6,136,856

💥 Almost Heroes Reviews

Personal Review

Okay, so I’m a sucker for Chris Farley. This movie is definitely not ‘Tommy Boy,’ but I still find it hilarious. The whole eagle fight scene? Gets me every time! It’s dumb, goofy, and exactly what I need when I want to turn my brain off and laugh. Matthew Perry plays the straight man well, and Eugene Levy is always a win.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of Chris Farley’s physical comedy”
  • “Viewers who enjoy slapstick humor”
  • “Those looking for a lighthearted historical parody”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Crude humor and language”
  • “Mild violence”
  • “Some suggestive content”

Professional Reviews

• MovieWeb: “Despite its cast of comedic heavyweights, ‘Almost Heroes’ struggles to deliver consistent laughs. While Farley and Perry have their moments, the film’s humor often feels forced and misses the mark. It’s a shame, as the premise had potential.
• Rotten Tomatoes: “A slapstick comedy that relies too heavily on physical humor and predictable gags. While there are a few chuckle-worthy moments, the film ultimately fails to live up to the comedic talents of Chris Farley and Matthew Perry.

Audience Reactions

Chris Farley’s physical comedy steals the show and keeps you laughing throughout.: Farley and Perry’s chemistry makes for a funny duo.

The movie is hilarious, filled with physical comedy and absurd humor.: It’s one of those movies that gets funnier every time you watch it.

Overall Consensus: A polarizing film, with some finding it hilarious and others finding it a miss. Chris Farley’s performance remains a highlight for many.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “This film marked Chris Farley’s last leading role before his death, adding a bittersweet element to the comedy.”
• “Parker Posey filmed scenes as Leslie Edwards’ sweetheart, but they were cut, altering the original ending and leading to Bokeem Woodbine’s character disappearing.”

🖥️ How to Watch Almost Heroes?

As of my last update, “Almost Heroes” is available for rent or purchase on various digital platforms such as Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play Movies. Check these services for the most up-to-date availability and pricing. You may also find DVD and Blu-ray copies for sale online.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Almost Heroes, you might like these similar films:

• The Great Outdoors (1988): Shares a similar slapstick humor and mismatched buddy dynamic in an outdoor setting.
• Shanghai Noon (2000): Features a similar buddy-comedy dynamic with an odd pairing in a historical setting.

🛒 Almost Heroes Related Products

• Almost Heroes [Blu-ray]: Own the adventure comedy starring Chris Farley and Matthew Perry. The Blu-ray offers enhanced viewing quality to enjoy the film’s scenic landscapes and over-the-top humor.
• Chris Farley: The Book: Dive into the life and career of the comedic genius, Chris Farley. This biography explores his rise to fame, personal struggles, and lasting impact on comedy.
• Historical Explorer Costume: Dress up as an early 1800s explorer with this costume. Perfect for themed parties, Halloween, or cosplay events.
• The Lewis and Clark Expedition: Day by Day: Follow the historical journey of Lewis and Clark with this detailed account of their expedition. Compare the actual events to the comedic take in ‘Almost Heroes’.

🎧 Soundtrack

Almost Heroes features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “String Quartet in E-flat major Op. 71 II. Andante con moto” – performed by Joseph Haydn

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Best Moments of Almost Heroes

Want a good laugh? This video is a compilation of the funniest scenes from Almost Heroes. I forgot how hilarious Chris Farley was in this movie, you should check it out!

Did you know in ALMOST HEROES? #chrisfarley #matthewperry #doesitholdup #funfacts #moviefacts

Ever wondered about behind-the-scenes secrets of Almost Heroes? This video shares some cool facts that you probably didn’t know. Seriously, I had no idea about some of these!

✨ Rate