Common Sense Media Review
By Andrea Beach
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Iffy premise undercuts what could have been a sweet romance.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 13+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
My Father the Hero
What's the Story?
Andre (Gerard Depardieu) takes his daughter, Nicky (Katherine Heigl), on vacation, trying to make up for lost time after Andre and Nicky's mom divorced and Andre moved back to France. Nicky, who's 14 and waiting for her life to begin, tells people at the tropical resort that the man she's with is her lover because she thinks it'll make her seem older and more interesting. Once Andre finds out, he actually agrees to go along with the charade until Nicky can bring herself to tell Ben (Dalton James), the guy she's fallen for, the truth.
Is It Any Good?
Gerard Depardieu is as lovably charming as ever, and a very young Katherine Heigl does a pretty good job (except for the heavy-drama moments). This could have been a sweet, funny story about first love and real father-daughter bonding, but the only actual "comedy" here arises from the questionable taste of the premise, which gives rise to lines like, "They all think I'm a child molester!" being played for laughs. Throw in some unrealistic plot convenience, like when Nicky's stranded on a reef and the resort's only rescue vehicle is a boat with a motor that won't start, and you have a recipe for "don't bother."
But teens, especially girls, will easily relate to Nicky's longing for life to begin, and if the premise isn't a problem they'll enjoy watching her figure out romantic love and father-daughter bonding in the beautiful tropical setting.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how hard it is to wait for your life to start. What are some positive ways you can make something happen for yourself when you're ready?
My Father the Hero is actually a remake of a French film, with the same actor starring as the father. Why do you think the moviemakers chose to make an English-language version of this story?
Parents and teens can sometimes drive each other crazy, but what are some of the things that let you know your parents really love you?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : April 8, 2003
- Cast : Gerard Depardieu , Katherine Heigl , Dalton James
- Director : Steve Miner
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studios : Touchstone Pictures , Cité Films , D. D. Productions , Film Par Film , Edward S. Feldman Company
- Genre : Comedy
- Run time : 90 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : Language, elements of sensuality
- Last updated : September 20, 2019
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