Critics have spotted an unsung hero, see what they say about the faith-based story of a famous musical family

Fans of Christian music probably know the Australian duo For King + Country and their sister Rebecca St. James. The family has been making music for years and has even earned five Grammy Awards together, and now fans get the chance to see their family’s story and the upbringing that led to those careers in the upcoming faith-based film. Unsung hero. Critics have seen the movie, so let’s see what they say.

Joel Smallbone stars as his father David, while Daisy Betts plays his wife Helen, and the cast also includes plenty of recognizable names, including Candace Cameron Bure (who now also produces faith-oriented films), Jonathan Jackson, Terry O’Quinn and Hillary Scott. Smallbone has a triple role in the film, as he also co-wrote and directed the project with Richard Ramsey. Let’s take a look at the reviews, starting with Nicolas Rapold of the New York Times. The critic didn’t seem to think too much of the film, calling it “cringe-inducing” and writing:

Viewer beware: between the fuss and the cringe, this film may induce whiplash. Joel Smallbone plays his own father, David, who faces financial and reputational damage after booking a big concert and failing to wrap it up. He resettles the family in the United States, but no job is created. His cheery wife Helen (Daisy Betts) and their blissful children put on boots and practically whistle as they work, but that’s not enough. …Despite the vague good intentions, it’s hard to make much of this making-of story.

Katie Walsh of the LA Times also understands the purpose of the film and recognizes that it will inspire its audience members. However, the story is predictable and Joel Smallbone is too close to the situation to properly reflect on his family’s experiences and offer anything meaningful, Walsh writes. The critic says:

It is a humble story, one with the ability to inspire with its simple message of perseverance. But the film itself, as an artistic product, feels limited in its range of observation, because the filmmaker has no distance whatsoever from the material. Smallbone is a fine actor, but next to Ramsey he is a limited filmmaker. Their visual style is bland at best and the storytelling lacks the kind of self-reflection that could take this project to the next level. As it is, Unsung Hero feels more like band merchandise than an insightful family portrait.

Others, however, seem moved by the Smallbones’ story and the family’s faith in the midst of so much hardship. Linda from Linda’s Lunacy says she didn’t want the film to end, and she recommends it as a family film, noting that it is suitable for all ages. Linda writes:

I was moved to tears several times because of the things God did for them. I actually lost track of the number of times I was moved to tears. But Unsung Hero is not just a tearjerker. It is a story about faith, hope and love for family. And what God can do in our lives. … So many things happened that brought them down. A health crisis, hospital bills, no car, depression, among other things. All the time the family prayed, worked and stayed together.

Adam R. Holz of Plugged In calls the family’s story “quietly remarkable,” and says the “warts and all” approach to David’s struggles Unsung hero a feeling of refreshing realism. Holz says:

In some ways, the saga of this Australian family’s sojourn in the United States, strangers in a strange land, is an archetypal Christian film, with a purely Hollywood ending to boot: the underdogs win and persevere in a seemingly endless series of unfortunate, unfortunate Job movies. -like events that could have capsized the faith of other families. Ultimately, Rebecca St. James launches her triumphant career. Redemption, hope and beauty win the day… But Unsung Hero is not an airbrushed hagiography of the Smallbone family. Their path to beauty is fraught with whimsical, surprising, and even ugly brokenness.

The Christian Movie Review Site Movie guide writes that Unsung hero delivers on a large scale. The story of the Smallbones is compelling and all the actors deliver impressive performances. The review continues:

Unsung Hero is a powerful story about faith and family. The story of a large uprooted family, experiencing culture shock and trying to work together towards a common goal is compelling. The filmmakers tell the story with a lot of sincerity and heart. The acting is very good with singer-songwriter Joel Smallbone, known for For King and Country, giving a convincing performance as his father, David. All family members are well depicted. They all have their own unique affinities. The music in Unsung Hero captures both the lows and highs of the family’s journey, as does the writing.

While Unsung hero is not to the taste of all critics, it sounds like those who go to the cinema to see a story about a family’s faith and perseverance will not be disappointed. The film will hit the big screen from Friday, April 26, and be sure to check out our 2024 Movie Release Calendar to see what else is coming to theaters soon.

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