Watch Hero at Large

Hero at Large is a 1980 comedy-drama film directed by Martin Davidson and starring John Ritter, Anne Archer, and Bert Convy. The film follows the story of a struggling actor, Steve Nichols (John Ritter), who takes on the persona of Captain Avenger, a comic book superhero, in order to become noticed and eventually gain fame and fortune.

The film takes place in New York City during the holiday season in the early 1980s. Steve is a struggling actor who is frustrated with his lack of success in the entertainment industry. However, he has a chance encounter with a young boy who is a big fan of Captain Avenger, one of his favorite comics. The boy tells Steve about an audition for the role of Captain Avenger in a new TV series, which he decides to attend.

At the audition, Steve is mistaken for an actor who is actually a member of a local militia group planning to stage a protest against the city's corrupt mayor. During the protest, Steve dons his Captain Avenger costume and inadvertently thwarts a real-life crime, thus becoming a hero in the eyes of the public.

This sets off a chain of events that leads to Steve's newfound fame, as he becomes an overnight sensation and is featured on the cover of every newspaper and magazine in the city. Along the way, he encounters other characters, including a love interest (Anne Archer) and a manipulative TV executive (Bert Convy), both of whom play a significant role in his rise to stardom.

However, Steve's success as a superhero begins to have unintended consequences, as he becomes embroiled in a dangerous game of politics and corruption. In the end, he must decide whether to continue his charade as Captain Avenger or reveal his true identity to the public.

The film is a lighthearted and entertaining comedy with a message about the power of heroism and how it can inspire others. John Ritter's performance as Steve Nichols is charming and relatable, and he brings a sense of whimsy and sincerity to the role. Anne Archer is equally engaging as Jann, Steve's love interest, and their chemistry on screen is palpable.

Bert Convy is also excellent in his role as the sleazy TV executive, Albert Roth. He adds a layer of complexity to the story, as his character is both a friend and a foe to Steve, and his manipulations and scheming add a sense of tension to the plot.

The film also features a memorable soundtrack, with songs by notable artists such as Paul McCartney and Stevie Wonder. The music complements the film's theme of heroism and adds to the sense of fun and overall enjoyment of the film.

Overall, Hero at Large is a delightful and engaging film that will appeal to fans of comedy, drama, and superhero films alike. While it may not have the special effects or larger than life characters of modern superhero films, it more than makes up for it with its heart, humor, and genuine message.

Hero at Large is a 1980 action movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 38 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.9.