Navigating the trailers for Unsung Hero, you might find yourself humming a familiar Cranberries tune, led to believe you’re about to witness the genesis of the iconic band. However, that’s a delightful misdirection. While that song sets a nostalgic tone in the promotional material, it’s notably absent from the film itself. This initial impression hints at a deeper narrative structure within Unsung Hero, a movie that initially appears to be about one thing before subtly shifting its focus, leaving audiences to realize, “Oh, this story is actually about something else entirely.” This unexpected turn mirrors the journey of many unsung heroes – individuals whose true stories and talents often remain hidden beneath initial perceptions. It prompts us to consider: what is the real Unsung Hero Song within this film, and perhaps, within the lives it portrays?
The heart of Unsung Hero beats around the real-life Smallbone family, renowned in Christian rock circles for producing artists like Rebecca St. James and For King & Country. For those unfamiliar, like myself prior to watching, their impact is significant. Despite having played in my church band for years, their discography was new territory for me. While Rebecca’s rise to fame forms a crucial part of the narrative, the film dedicates a substantial portion to the journey of the father, David Smallbone. Played by his son Joel Smallbone, the movie, reportedly based on a family of nine children (I counted six, plus one on the way in the film), unfolds their story against the backdrop of the 1990s.
The year is 1992, and David, a music promoter, faces professional drought. Gigs are drying up, clients are dwindling. In a bold, almost desperate move, David and his wife, Helen, decide to transplant their large family from Australia to Nashville. A cameo by the real Rebecca St. James as a flight attendant adds a touch of authenticity to their transatlantic move. Their arrival in the US isn’t without hitches – a humorous encounter with customs officials over their surname (“If I was going to make up a name, I would have come up with something better than Smallbone,” David quips) is smoothed over by a vague yet convenient note from Helen’s mother. This slightly undercooked explanation feels like a minor narrative fumble.
Settling into a modest, unfurnished house, the Smallbones embrace the challenge of rebuilding their lives. Necessity pushes them into taking on odd jobs, which organically evolves into a lawn care business. The local church community welcomes them with open arms, their generosity almost overwhelming David, leading to a slightly awkward, albeit brief, conflict with a well-meaning parishioner (played by Lucas Black). Candace Cameron Bure shines as the epitome of neighborly kindness, though the resolution of this subplot felt somewhat rushed. Joel Smallbone and Daisy Betts deliver compelling performances as David and Helen, effectively portraying the resilience and depth of their characters.
Scene from Unsung Hero movie showcasing the Smallbone family, highlighting their initial struggles and unity as they adapt to a new life in Nashville.
However, the film subtly pivots. The narrative thread of Rebecca’s burgeoning singing talent, initially a secondary storyline, gradually ascends to the forefront. Late into the movie, her journey takes center stage, culminating in the transformation of Rebecca Smallbone into Rebecca St. James, a recognized name in Christian music. Furthermore, it’s revealed that her brothers also find their musical path, achieving considerable success as For King & Country. This shift reveals the true unsung hero song of the movie: not a single track, but the collective, underlying melody of resilience, family unity, and faith that orchestrates the Smallbones’ journey to musical prominence.
Unsung Hero comfortably situates itself within the realm of Christian-centric B movies, sharing company with titles like Jesus Revolution, On a Wing and a Prayer, and The Hill. While these films vary in quality, with On Fire being a personal standout from similar releases, Unsung Hero unfortunately succumbs to the common pitfall of excessive sentimentality. The film occasionally feels like a barrage of emotionally charged moments that lack sufficient groundwork. One can’t help but wonder if shifting the primary focus to Rebecca and her brothers’ musical aspirations from the outset, rather than relegating the parents to a supporting role, might have created a more impactful and resonant cinematic experience. Despite these shortcomings, Unsung Hero offers a glimpse into the real-life story behind the music, revealing the unsung hero song of a family’s faith and perseverance, even if the film itself doesn’t quite hit all the right notes.
Grade: C+
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