Hero at Large poster & wallpaper
Get movie widget Recommend it Add to Favorites

John Ritter, Anne Archer, Bert Convy, Kevin McCarthy, Harry Bellaver ... see more see more... , Anita Dangler , Jane Hallaren , Leonard Harris , Rick Podell , Kevin Bacon , Neil Barry , Gerry Black , William Bogert , Joyce Brothers , Robert Carricart , Gerald Castillo , Rita Crafts , Trish Doolan , Garry Goodrow , Michael Gorrin , Peter Iacangelo , Gary Howard Klar , Michael Leon , Bryan O'Byrne , Church Ortiz , Lionel Pina , Michael Prince , William Preston Robertson , Robin Sherwood , Jack Somack , Kenneth Tobey , A.J. Carothers , Gary Combs , Allan Rich , Joseph Stern , Frank Casey , Lenny Geer , James O'Connell , Kenneth Cory , Kurt Andon

John Ritter plays an unsuccessful actor who takes a job posing as comic-book hero Captain Avenger at comics stores and conventions. While thus garbed, Ritter foils a grocery store robbery. He skedaddl... read more read more...es from the scene when the cops show up, leading witnesses to assume that he is a genuine costumed superhero, the sort that shows up to foil the villains and then modestly retreats after his job is done. Ritter is hired by the mayor's staff, who hope that the Captain Avenger tie-in will help the mayor win an upcoming election. This plan comes acropper, and Captain Avenger finds himself on the outs with the public. Prodded by his girlfriend Anne Archer to be himself and not rely on a costume and mask to gain adulation, Ritter becomes a bonafide hero when he rescues several citizens from a fire. Thanks to the enthusiastic performance of John Ritter, Hero at Large remains amusing even when you know what's going to happen next (a common occurrence in this film). ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

Flixster Users

43% liked it

1,230 ratings

PG, 1 hr. 38 min.

Directed by: Martin Davidson

Release Date: February 8, 1980

Invite friends to see

DVD Release Date: August 30, 2005

Get It:

Stats: 61 reviews

report incorrect info

Photos

Hero at Large
Upload a Photo | View All Hero at Large Photos

Your Rating


clear rating

Flixster Reviews (61)

  • ajv2688
    August 6, 2011
    ajv2688
    John Ritter plays a guy who's not very different from himself or any of the other roles I've ever seen him in, so it's not a stretch for him to play. The other actors are okay, but no one really stands out. The plot is predictable, and I swear I've seen at least two other movie... read mores exactly like this one. It is an entertaining movie, though, with a few laughs, but overall it could have been better.
  • YosemiteSamFan
    November 21, 2007
    YosemiteSamFan
    A bit of a forgotten classic. The story is quite believable, as John Ritter plays an actor-turned-superhero. It's a lot of fun and complimented Superman the Movie in the same era nicely. It's exciting whenever he appears as Captain Hero to the rescue.
  • recruiter89
    August 25, 2009
    recruiter89
    This feel good movie stars John Ritter as a do gooder trying to come clean. I miss John Ritter because his acting is so pure that it is hard to find an actor today that can come close. Ann Archer was pretty good but sort of fake in this role. I have always liked this movie and it... read more still shows a true actor with Ritter as the lead!
  • moviefan1725
    July 14, 2009
    moviefan1725
    John Ritter was one of those actors that had big success on television, but never managed to transfer that success to the big screen. Which is a real shame, because he's probably one of the most easily likeable actors ever. Who better to play a regular guy who becomes a hero not ... read morebecause of the things he can do, but because of who he is. He plays an unemployed actor who takes a job making public appearances as the hero "Captain Avenger" to promote a movie of the same name. One night he thwarts the robbery of a liquor store, in full Captain Avenger costume, and creates a citywide frenzy for people starved for a hero. He takes it upon himself to stand up for the little guy, and try to make his city a better place. He gets a bit over his head, and the danger becomes all too real for him one night. He also learns the potential trappings of being a public hero, when a shifty promoter, played to sleazy Hollywood perfection by Bert Convy, talks him into making more "rescues" under the pretense of giving the city what they want, when all he's really trying to do is hype the movie. He finds an ally in his next door neighbor played by Anne Archer. Even though they try to discredit him, and tear him down, in the end he proves himself a real hero, both to himself and the city. Ritter was a gifted comedic actor, and his lighthearted touch to this movie makes it very believable. He's a nice guy that believes in what the character of Captain Avenger stands for, and he brings it to life in what is possibly one of the most honest, purest "superhero" movies ever made.
  • The80sExpert
    August 6, 2011
    The80sExpert
    Nice to see Ritter take a break from playing a nice guy on TV to play a nice guy in a movie who becomes a superhero.
  • mpghoul1973
    February 19, 2008
    mpghoul1973
    John Ritter dons the superhero costume. I used to watch this all the time as a kid. I saw it again recently and i still loved it.
  • tyroc
    March 20, 2007
    tyroc
    I loved this TV movie feeling story about a guy who starts believing that he's a superhero. Kinda cheesy after all these years but also kinda cool and touching as well.

View All Hero at Large Reviews

Critic Reviews

No recent reviews.

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)

Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)

Cast

More Like This

Click a thumb to vote on that suggestion, or add your own suggestions.

  • Mystery Men
    Mystery Men (100%)
  • The Meteor Man
    The Meteor Man (100%)
  • The Return of Captain Invincible (Legend in Leotards)
    The Return of Captain Invincible (Legend in L... (100%)
  • Blankman
    Blankman (100%)

More Movies like Hero at Large

Facts

No facts approved yet. Be the first

Hero at Large : Watch Free on TV

Hero at Large Trivia

  • In which movie did John Ritter play an actor promoting the movie Captain Avenger?  Answer »
  • In 1980's 'Hero At Large,' struggling actor Steve Nichols (John Ritter) becomes, almost accidentally, a real-life version of the superhero he portrays at local premieres of a major motion picture. Complete the name of this superhero: Captain _________.  Answer »
  • What was the super heros name in "Hero At Large"?   Answer »
  • (2002) Alan Rickman plays the despicable Professor Snape who hates our young hero Harry, played by Daniel Radcliffe, in this film about Harry?s second year at Hogwarts. This year the danger takes the form of a large basilisk roaming around the castle, summoned by the heir of Slytherin.   Answer »
More Hero at Large Trivia

Movie Quizzes

No quizzes for Hero at Large. Want to create one?

Video Clips

No video clips yet. Want to upload one?

Meet Other Fans

Add Hero at Large to favorites

Recent News

No recent headlines. Got one?

Recent Lists

Make a List |

View All Lists

Most Popular Skin

No skins yet. Interested in creating one?