Unstrung Heroes

1995

Unstrung Heroes

Critics Consensus

Sensitive direction and a terrific cast help Unstrung Heroes get at the heart of human grief -- and depict the relationships that can start the healing process.

74%

TOMATOMETER

Total Count: 23

61%

Audience Score

User Ratings: 2,238
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Movie Info

Diane Keaton made her directorial debut with this drama, adapted from the autobiographical novel of sportswriter Franz Lidz. Lidz's story was set in his New York childhood and told of how living with his four eccentric uncles helped him overcome his grief at the death of his beloved mother. The movie is set in southern California and the four uncles from the novel have been whittled down to two. Lidz was christened Steven (Nathan Watt) and he is raised by the luminous Selma (Andie McDowell) and Sid (John Turturro), his father. When Selma is taken ill, Sid keeps Steven and his sister out of her bedroom, fearing they will upset her. Sid is an ingenious but cool-hearted inventor whose head is more developed than his heart. He sends Steven off to live with his two brothers. Danny (Michael Richards) is a high-spirited, paranoid man who suffers from delusions. Arthur (Maury Chaykin) is a big-hearted guy who likes to collect other people's junk. Together they rename the child Franz and teach him to value his own uniqueness.

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Cast

Andie MacDowell
as Selma Lidz
John Turturro
as Sid Lidz
Michael Richards
as Danny Lidz
Maury Chaykin
as Arthur Lidz
Nathan Watt
as Steven
Kendra Krull
as Sandy Lidz
Joey Andrews
as Ash
Celia Weston
as Amelia
Jack McGee
as Lindquist
Candice Azzara
as Joanie
Anne De Salvo
as May
Lillian Adams
as Aunt Estelle
Lou Cutell
as Uncle Melvin
Sumer Stamper
as Nancy Oppenheim
Sean P. Donahue
as Ralph Crispi
Harold M. Schulweis
as Rabbi Blaustein
Zoaunne LeRoy
as Mrs. Kantruitz
Vince Melocchi
as Inspector Marshall
Patrick Charles
as In-Crowd Boy
Alison Chalmers
as In-Crowd Girl
Chris Warfield
as Mr. Clements
Wayne Duvall
as Mr. Crispi
Andrew Craig
as Man in Line
Becky Ann Baker
as Mrs. Harris
Mary Mercier
as Waitress
Len Costanza
as Second Doctor
Peter Kaitlyn
as Dr. Feldman
Julie Pinson
as Nurse Franklin
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Critic Reviews for Unstrung Heroes

All Critics (23) | Top Critics (5) | Fresh (17) | Rotten (6)

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Audience Reviews for Unstrung Heroes

  • Dec 13, 2012
    Keaton's directorial debut is not bad but not great. I think she suffers from the same problem as Tom Hanks..the need to show something to be loved rather than something edgy. The result is passable stuff but not memorable stuff.
    John B Super Reviewer
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