My Father the Hero

"My Father The Hero" is a fairly dated movie, yet a timeless comedy that was released in 1994. While the reviews were somewhat scattered and in many cases, varied depending on the individual, in my personal opinion, I think that it is a fun movie that is guaranteed to make you laugh. It always makes me laugh, although, I will admit that there will be some times that you just roll your eyes and wonder where they came up with the many zany ideas.

The movie stars Gerard Depardieu, a popular French actor known more familiarly for his role in "Les Miserables" as Jean Valjean and his role in the hit comedy "Green Card" as Leopold. "My Father The Hero" also stars Katherine Heigl who has had roles in the comedy "Romy and Michele: In the Beginning" as Romy White and more recently, had a supporting role in the hit series "Grey's Anatomy" as Dr. Isobel "Izzie" Stevens. Hiegel received a nomination for her performance and was nominated for the "Young Artist Award" in the category of "Best Performance by a Young Actress In a Motion Picture". Dalton James, who had a role in "Passions" as Hank Bennett and a role in the hit show "Beverly Hills 90210" as Mark Reese, also stars in the movie along with the fiery redhead Faith Prince who is known for her role as Claudia Lassiter in the comedy sitcom "Spin City" and her guest role as Kathy Willowby in the television series "Monk".

The movie begins as Andre (Gerard Depardieu) is going to pick up his daughter Nicole (Katherine Heigl) to take her on father-daughter vacation to the Bahamas. Andre and Nicole's mother have been split up for quite some time and Nicole rarely sees him. Right off the bat, it is evident that Nicole has some pent up anger and resentment built up due to the fact that her father has never really been around. From the very beginning of the movie it is apparent that Nicole has a very bad attitude and is a rebellious teenager, especially when she gets into a fight with her mother and disrespects her by calling a bad name. I'm sure you know which one. Andre is surprised but kind of aloof and does not pay much mind to it. He is just excited about getting to spend some time with his daughter Nicole.

Once they arrive at the resort in the Bahamas, Andre is anxious to get the vacation started while Nicole is less than enthusiastic about being at a resort that seems to have no young people at all. As she is roaming about the main lobby, she notices Ben (Dalton James), an attractive young man who is doing some handy-man work for the resort. She stares and due to being somewhat distracted, makes the silly mistake of accidentally running into an end table in the lobby. Embarassed, Nicole tries to play it cool and walks away. The following afternoon she decides to do some exploring and runs into none other than Ben, who is snorkeling. As the two talk, it is clear that Nicole likes Ben and wants to impress him. She thinks the truth won't work so she starts telling her lies. She tells Ben that she is really eighteen and when he asks about Andre, she does not tell him that he is her father. Instead, she tells him that Andre is her lover and that they pretend to be father and daughter but really aren't. She continues on to tell him that Andre saved her from a life on the streets and from her vicious ex-boyfriend. Ben is in awe especially because the age difference between Andre and Nicole is so great. He immediately feels sorry for Nicole and is convinced that Andre is taking advantage of her.

It is no surprise that Ben starts talking. A story like that would be hard to keep to yourself and with the way people gossip, it is no surprise that it spreads like wildfire and eventually the whole island knows about the pseudo situation between Nicole and Andre. As Andre roams the island trying to enjoy his vacation, he is completely oblivious to the fact that the guests are scowling at him and that mothers are making a point to keep their children away from him. Andre and Nicole meet Stella (Ann Hearn), Doris (Robyn Peterson), Fred (Frank Rezulli), Mike (Stephen Tabolowski), and Raymond (Manny Jacobs), some rather annoying individuals who are visiting the Bahamas from Scranton, Pennsylvania. The men are in awe of Andre and wonder how he could be with such a young and beautiful girl like Nicole. One of the women is disgusted with him, while the other is interested in sampling him herself. Andre also meets a woman named Diana (Faith Price) and while she is interested in Andre, the feeling isn't mutual so the two end up developing a close friendship. When the resort decides to have a talent night, Andre decides to play the piano and perform a song that he dedicates to his daughter Nicole. Andre decides to sing a song called "Little Girls" and as he plays the song, more and more guests walk out of the show shaking their heads, completely mortified by his song choice. When the song is finished, the only person left in the room is Diana who for some reason doesn't know about the lies that Nicole has said about her father. As the story carries on, Ben and Nicole become closer and he is convinced he wants to rescue her from Andre, who he believes is a pervert taking advantage of a young girl who has had more than her share of troubles.

One afternoon Andre decides that he and Nicole should go out on a boat. The resort workers take out the guests on the boats and it is no surprise that Ben chooses to charter it himself. Ben somehow convinces him that he should try water skiing and seeing that Nicole is in favor of it too, Andre agrees to do it. As Ben drives the boat, he goes faster and faster clearly putting Andre in danger. As Andre weaves in and out of the boats and encounters several near death experiences including almost getting mowed down by a big crew ship, he yells for Ben to slow down. Meanwhile on the boat, Ben and Nicole are arguing and she is trying to defend herself and explain why she can't leave Andre. The more Nicole says, the angrier Ben gets and the faster the boat goes. Eventually the boat slows down and Andre appears to be hurt. Nicole expresses her concern and tries to make sure he is ok. She accidentally utters, "Daddy, Daddy" and the cat is out of the bag and now Ben knows she was lying.

Nicole spends several days sulking and feeling sad and Andre decides that there is only one way for her to win him back. She must tell the truth. Nicole is reluctant but is convinced that she is in love with Ben and decides that she will do whatever it takes. Being that he loves his daughter and sees how distraught she is, Andre decides he will help her win Ben back. They go to his house and Nicole does her best to be romantic and express her love, with the help of her father. Ben says he will think about it and Nicole and Andre leave. Nicole is unsure whether or not Ben will come around or if she has ruined it with her far fetched lies.

"My Father The Hero" captures the bond that is present between a father and a daughter and is a heart-warming movie that will make you laugh out loud. While I have to say, Nicole will get on your nerves at several points throughout the movie, Andre will keep you laughing with his French accent and total cluelessness about the whole situation. When it comes to watching this movie, I'd say it is definitely worthwhile and that the movie is a good choice for a teen movie or a date movie.