Almost Heroes: A Positive Review of an Underrated Outdoor Comedy
It’s always fun when a movie comes along that feels like it was made for outdoorspeople. Almost Heroes is one of those movies.
This Adventure Comedy Western (three of my favorite things rolled into one) stars two comedic juggernauts of the 90s: Chris Farley as a rowdy frontiersman and Matthew Perry as an uptight aristocrat. The odd couple find themselves reluctantly partnered as they race against Lewis and Clark to be the first to reach the Pacific Ocean.
The premise alone sounds delightful, especially for an outdoorsperson who grew up in the 90s. Yet for some reason, when it was released in 1998, critics decided to beat it into submission. No redeaming qualities were apparently found and it continues to hold a single-digit score on Rotten Tomatoes.
Sure, our democracy may be crumbling before our eyes, but this is the injustice that has been keeping me up at night lately. I feel compelled to leave a positive mark on the digital history of this film.
I’ll be the first to admit it’s not the strongest work by either leading actor, and there are a few scenes that confusingly fall flat despite being loaded with talent and potential.
However, Chris and Matthew DO reach their full comedic potential in a number of scenes throughout and when they do, its truly hilarious. Some of my favorite comedy of all time is in this movie, and I’d argue that 80% of it is solid gold.
When it comes to blending outdoor adventure with good, old-fashioned comedy, Almost Heroes hits a sweet spot. The charm lies not just in the leads, but in the ensemble cast of secondary characters. There’s some seriously good acting in this group, and it is hilarious and easily quotable. From Bidwell to Pratt to Guy Fontenot (played by a nearly unrecognizable Eugene Levy), the supporting performances are treasures in their own right.
Yes, some jokes about “savages” will strike modern audiences as wildly politically incorrect. First, let’s calm down. It’s a slapstick comedy. It’s supposed to be inappropriate. And second, pay close attention: these lines come from the mouths of the foolish, bumbling white characters, not as truth, but as a reflection of their own ignorance. Watch closely and you’ll see the settlers are the incompetent ones, while every Indigenous character is portrayed as civilized, intelligent, and compassionate – except “Bent Twig”, but that’s the joke.
Even when the humor dips into the crude and simple, which can be fun, the character portrayals remain thoughtful. It’s clear the film is mocking the stereotypes of the time, not reinforcing them.
Critics dismissed Almost Heroes with closed-minded reviews, perhaps too distracted by perceived missteps, or their own personal tastes, to appreciate the treasures within. Too distracted by the rough to see the diamonds.
I love this movie. It’s one of my favorites. It’s a delightful mix of physical comedy, clever writing, acting talent, and scenic wilderness adventure. Even the theme music is catchy. For fans of outdoor escapades and 90s nostalgia, this hidden gem is worth rediscovering.