Unsung Hero

Of late, the based-on-a-true-story type of film has seemingly exceeded those films that are fictional--kind of real life is stranger than fiction type of thing. And with this type of thinking, it's no wonder that Hollywood has produced so many of them, especially when many of them have been profitable. We've seen many films based on true stories that run the genre gambit, but now we are offered "Unsung Hero", a film that chronicles the Smallbones' musical family and their difficulty surviving the early 1990's.

Based on a remarkable true story, This film follows David Smallbone (Joel Smallbone) as he moves his family from Down Under to the States, searching for a brighter future after his successful music company collapses. With nothing more than their six children, switches, and their love of music, David and his pregnant wife Helen (Daisy Betts) set out to rebuild their lives. Helen's faith stands against all odds and inspires her husband and children to hold onto theirs. With their own dreams on hold, David and Helen begin to realize the musical prowess in their children, especially their daughter, Rebecca (Kirrilee Berger), who would go on to become two of the most successful acts in Inspirational music history: five time Grammy Award-winning artists for King + Country and Rebecca St. James.

Others to round out the cast are Jonathan Jackson as Eddie Degarmo, Lucas Black as Jed Albright, Candace Cameron Bure as Kay Albright, Terry O'Quinn as James Smallbone, David's father, Paul Luke Bonenfant as Daniel Smallbone, JJ Pantano as Luke Smallbone, Diesel La Torraca as Joel Smallbone, Tenz McCall as Ben Smallbone and Angus K. Caldwell as Josh Smallbone.

This was directed with such pathos and sincerity by Richard Ramsey (The Oath of Desormeau" '06, "The Song" '14, "Plus One at an Amish Wedding" (TV movie) '22) plus TV and shorts and Joel Smallbone. Obviously Ramsey has the lion's share of the experience here, but considering Smallbone comes from the family that this films chronicles, his input had to be astronomical. In fact, without his collaboration, it probably wouldn't be the film it turned out to be. Some of the staging was a bit stiff, but not nearly to a degree that impeded with the film. It was also effectively written by Richard Ramsey and Joel Smallbone ("Priceless" (TV movie) '16). It was presented as a flashback in that as they are on the airplane on their way to the U.S., Helen is thinking about what it took for her and her family to get to that place on the plane which was an interesting approach. Other than a couple of very small places of slowness and a couple of places of some sentimental and hokey situations, this script was spot on. In fact, the sentimental side of this was probably needed to ensure that the audience truly understands the plight that this family was going through. The cast was very believable, especially that of Daisy Betts as Helen, who shined in this film. 

If you're into the inspirational and films based on a true story, this film will aim to please. As with other films based on true stories, this story has much to offer: grit, love, fear, uncertainty and redemption all rolled up in a story about a family that, even when there is adversity, they still connect because they're a family and for there strong belief in God. 

Out of 4 Stars: 3.5                                      Rated: PG                                        112mins.