The Hero

"When it comes to Hollywood facial hair, Sam Elliott’s moustache is an institution unto itself. To be sure, Elliott has never really attained status as a A-level leading man. But his “lip bonsai”, rugged silver fox looks, throaty baritone drawl and laconic demeanour have made him an enduring, always-welcome presence in the Western genre. The cowboy type-casting, however, shouldn’t discount his under-praised talents as an exquisite performer, lead or not (if in doubt, just watch him in Mask, or more recently, opposite Lily Tomlin in Grandma)."

"Instead of the usual page-per-minute of screen time, this film feels like a 30-page script stretched to 90-odd minutes."

"Even at its most contrived, The Hero exerts a soothing attraction not unlike the man at its center."

"Without Lee's complicity in the triteness of his story - and Mr. Elliott's ability to sell it as a melancholy burden - this low-key feature by Brett Haley wouldn't be half as pleasurable."

"It's not perfect, but it is a gift to Sam Elliott – and to us."

"Most of its plot elements are overly familiar, but they're invigourated by Elliott's easygoing performance and the way Haley deploys them in explicit homage to his muse."

"Elliott's droll delivery and laconic charm are very much in evidence; he probably couldn't turn them off if he tried, though "The Hero" leaves you wondering if maybe he should have."

"Sam Elliott's smoky, whiskey-soaked baritone is one of American cinema's undervalued treasures... It pretty much rescues Brett Haley's... The Hero, cutting clean through the film's pile of clichés with its gruff feeling and wry, weary wit."