Is Nick Offerman a genius? Perhaps. He says he single-handedly created a brand new Scotch this year, but since it’s called Lagavulin Offerman Edition 11 Year Old single malt Scotch whisky, it’s probably safe to say Lagavulin had something to do with the delicious new expression too.
A delicately entertaining and uplifting film that manages to be inspirational and charming without becoming outright corny, overwrought, or leaning hard into American indie movie conventions, the musical-comedy-drama Hearts Beat Loud has the power to remind audiences that there’s still good in the world if they know where to look for it.
As familiar as a worn out pair of slippers or a well loved recliner that knows exactly how you like to sit in it, The Hero delivers a tried-and-true storyline in as genial a way as possible. Bolstered by a warm-blooded and nuanced leading performance from Sam Elliott, The Hero is one of those stories of a man learning to be less of an egotistical jerk and getting more out of life in the process. These stories are as plentiful as tattered paperbacks at yard sales, but when they’re done as well as director and co-writer Brett Haley’s film occasional lapses into clichéd territory are often forgivable. The Hero is a relaxed, well trod story told well enough.
