Everyone's Hero
A formulaic feel-good movie with positive messages.
Parents say
Based on 10 reviews
Kids say
Based on 12 reviews
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Everyone's Hero
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this movie.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Everyone's Hero is a 2006 animated movie about baseball. OK, so it's the same old "persevering against the odds" theme that's been done a million times. That said, it's a pleasant look back at an era when kids plastered their rooms with baseball banners and heroes could be found at every baseball stadium. Some smoking among adult characters. The kids at the sandlot throw things at Yankee. Lefty gets assaulted in a variety of cartoon ways: kicked in the face, slammed onto a railroad track, and smacked by a baseball bat. Yankee encounters peril on the trip. Babe Ruth bobblehead dolls are violently decapitated by the Cubs owner. Some name-calling and mild profanity include "butt," "jerk," and "booger."
Community Reviews
This is what I would call a stereotypical kids film.
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What's the Story?
In EVERYBODY'S HERO, Yankee Irving (Jake T. Austin) is a dedicated baseball fan who loves visiting his dad, Stanley (Mandy Patinkin), at his job at Yankee Stadium. When Babe Ruth's (Brian Dennehy) bat goes missing from the locker room on the eve of the 1932 World Series on Stanley's shift, he ends up getting fired. Yankee makes a connection between the person he saw in the locker room, Lefty Maginnis (William H. Macy), and the missing bat (voiced by (Whoopi Goldberg). With his new friend, wise-cracking baseball Screwie (Rob Reiner), Yankee sets off to find and return the missing bat. Helping Yankee on his quest is energetic tomboy Marti (Raven Symone). And Yankee's hardworking mom, Emily (Dana Reeve), believes in her family and looks after them with loving care.
Is It Any Good?
Baseball, kids, family, honor -- it's a nice legacy left by Christopher and Dana Reeve in their last project before both their deaths. Though a bit formulaic (let's face it -- we've been desensitized by fast-moving films), Everybody's Hero offers a positive message about doing the right thing and never giving up, even in the face of adversity.
It also reminds kids that dreams really can come true and that we should always put our families first, even if it means going to the ends of the earth to set things right. And with a G rating, it's one of those rare movies that's great for kids of all ages.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the importance of putting family first and plugging through the rough times, as Yankee does in Everyone's Hero.
They can also talk about dreams and the determination needed to pursue them. Was Yankee right to take off on his own to return the bat? Could he have handled things differently to avoid putting himself in danger?
What does it take to be a hero? Who are the real heroes in our lives?
How do the characters in Everyone's Hero demonstrate perseverance, integrity, and teamwork? Why are these important character strengths?
Movie Details
- In theaters: September 12, 2006
- On DVD or streaming: March 20, 2007
- Cast: Jake T. Austin, Raven Symone, Rob Reiner
- Directors: Christopher Reeve, Colin Brady, Dan St. Pierre
- Studio: Twentieth Century Fox
- Genre: Family and Kids
- Topics: Sports and Martial Arts
- Character Strengths: Integrity, Perseverance, Teamwork
- Run time: 90 minutes
- MPAA rating: G
- MPAA explanation: all audiences
- Last updated: February 24, 2022
Our Editors Recommend
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Rookie of the Year
Fun, far-fetched baseball fantasy has some salty language.
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Angels in the Outfield
Heartwarming movie about hope and baseball.
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The Rookie
Sweet, engaging true story more appealing to tweens and up.
For kids who love baseball
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