KSL Movie Show review: ‘Unsung Hero’ is the wholesome movie you need this weekend
Apr 26, 2024, 10:06 AM | Updated: Aug 5, 2024, 1:10 pm
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SALT LAKE CITY — Everyone thinks their mom is the best, as they should. But you might have a difficult time topping the strength of character displayed by the mom in this heartwarming tale of survival and hope found in the “Unsung Hero” movie.
Admittedly, I had never heard of Inspirational Music and multi-Grammy Award-winning artists “For King & Country” or “Rebecca St. James,” but I really appreciate their family journey from Australia to America with little to nothing in their pockets.
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David Smallbone (played in the film by son Joel Smallbone) and his wife Helen (Daisy Betts) have a successful life Down Under with their six, soon to be seven children. Nice big house, David is a respected music talent promoter, all is well. Until an ill-advised tour wipes out the family savings and leaves them begging for work.
The only gig David can land will require him to move his family to Nashville. Helen isn’t thrilled with the idea, as their whole life support system is in Australia, but she agrees to give him two years in the States to make it work.
Only once they arrive in Tennessee, David is told the client went with someone else and so they have no income. Helen decides to inform the kids their dilemma, and they all agree to mow lawns, clean houses, do whatever it takes to fill the family finance jar.
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One of many great scenes has Helen fielding questions from the kids as they stare at an house with no furniture. “Where are we going to sleep mom?” There are no beds. She turns it into an adventure with everyone camping out in the great room. She actually makes it fun.
Meanwhile, David is deeply depressed, since he can’t provide for his family, but at the same time, is too proud to accept help from their new church. He will have to swallow his pride more than once and nearly breaks down when his wife’s only birthday wish is for a decent used washer and dryer.
But, eventually, he humbles himself and realizes the act he’s been searching for is right under his nose, as several of his kids have great musical talent, especially teenage daughter Rebecca.
All along the members of their church help them stay afloat, first with a van, since they have no car and a tear-filled Sub for Santa experience when they still have no money for gifts.
It’s a wonderful community effort that speaks to the goodness of neighbors and the fact that every family member is working its tail off to help make ends meet, is all the inspiration I needed. If you would appreciate a wholesome experience like this, that is not preachy, “Unsung Hero” is your movie. Check it out.
“Unsung Hero” is rated PG for thematic elements. Starring Daisy Betts, Joel Smallbone, Kirrilee Berger, Jonathan Jackson and Lucas Black. Co-written and directed by Richard L. Ramsey and Joel Smallbone (“The Song”) — filmed in Australia and Nashville. Running time: 112 minutes.
