Plot
After his music company collapses, David Smallbone (played by Joel Smallbone) makes the bold decision to uproot his pregnant wife Helen (portrayed by Daisy Betts) from Australia to the US, hoping for a fresh start. Struggling to provide for their family, they stumble upon their children’s remarkable talents, paving the way for the emergence of two influential figures in contemporary Christian music.
Thanks to the collective success of Rebecca, Joel, and Luke, boasting a total of five Grammy wins, the Smallbone family business thrives. Yet, understanding the intricacies of their journey proves challenging, despite their well-meaning efforts. While the Smallbones’ unwavering perseverance and faith undoubtedly play pivotal roles, the film also delves into the pragmatic strategies they employ to sustain themselves prior to achieving fame.
Review
While marketed as a faith-driven film, the decision to watch Unsung Hero should not hinge solely on your religious convictions. Set in the 1990s and adorned with home videos and gentle lighting, the narrative centers on themes of community, humility, and the potency of prayer.
David finds solace in the support of his church community, conquering his emotional barriers. He diligently arranges interviews for his daughter Rebecca (portrayed by Kirrilee Berger), who serenades the audience with heartfelt songs extolling life’s beauty. Despite Richard L. Ramsey and Joel Smallbone’s earnest screenplay and direction, Unsung Hero’s conclusion feels predictably saccharine until its final, shamelessly poignant line.
The film presents itself as a clichéd yet well-intentioned tale of resilience and familial bonds, offering emotional sincerity that could have been more deeply explored. However, its aim seems to be to provide a wholesome experience suitable for the entire family, resulting in a somewhat superficial treatment of its themes. While Joel Smallbone delivers a commendable performance on screen, his collaboration with Ramsey behind the scenes yields unremarkable results.
Rating: 3/5
While the soundtrack featuring secular pop tunes by artists like Jesus Jones and Seal may feel somewhat obvious, the meticulous attention to ’90s fashion is commendable, with an array of delightfully atrocious sweaters on display.
However, the characterization of the supporting children is disappointingly superficial, leaving Rebecca and the parents as the only fully fleshed-out figures in a somewhat cheerful haze. Despite embodying the spirit of the titular song, the film’s adherence to scripture doesn’t fully elevate its narrative.
Given these aspects, a rating of three out of five stars seems appropriate for this film.
