Christian music fans will be inspired by the faith-driven film “Unsung Hero,” which pays tribute to parents David and Helen Smallbone, who raised six children, including Joel and Luke, who became the Grammy-winning duo for KING & COUNTRY, and Rebecca St. James; also a Grammy recipient for her 2000 album “Pray.” Those unfamiliar with Inspirational Music artists may find the biopic hokey, but fans of the genre should enjoy the film directed and written by Joel Smallbone and Richard Ramesy.
As someone who worked in various record stores in my youth, Christian music was a big seller, especially in the South. Watching scenes in “Unsung Hero” that feature metal band Stryper, pop diva Amy Grant, and rap trio DC Talk brought back memories of selling scores of cassettes to the faith-drive masses. By the time Rebecca St. James rose to fame (the late 90s), I had moved away from retail for a radio broadcasting career, and so I went into the film unfamiliar with her music and that of for KING & COUNTRY, who are mentioned in closing.
In the traditional sense, I wouldn’t call “Unsung Hero” a biopic, as Rebecca (Kirrilee Berger) isn’t the film’s focus. Her emergence as an artist happens in the third act.
Co-director Joel Smallbone (one-half of for KING & COUNTRY) plays his father, David, an Australian concert promoter who falls upon hard times thanks to the recession, which resulted in lackluster ticket sales during the Amy Grant tour.
Together with his wife Helen (Daisy Betts), the foundation of the Smallbone family, David uproots the clan, which includes six children, moving them from Australia to Nashville after lining up a gig as the concert promoter for the upcoming tour of Christian artist Carmen (Joe Chambrello). Of course, the gig never materializes, and David has no idea how he will provide for his family.
In a home devoid of furniture and with limited groceries, the family rallies to raise funds by mowing lawns and cleaning houses. Rebecca, unbeknownst to her, ends up cleaning the home of Eddie DeGarmo, one-half of the Christian rock band DeGarmo and Key, who was scouting for ‘the next Amy Grant ‘. The intersection of Rebecca and Eddie’s paths can be viewed as a fortuitous coincidence or, for believers, a manifestation of divine intervention.
The supporting cast features Lucas Black (“The Fast and Furious” films) as a local pastor and songwriter who recognizes Rebecca’s talent early on, Candace Cameron Bure (from “Full House” fame) as his perky and loveable wife, and wonderful character actor Terry O’Quinn, who has gone from playing the evil dad in “The Stepfather” films to the loveable grandpa in “Unsung Hero.”
The recent slew of faith-based films has thrived on expanding appeal to secular audiences by downplaying the religious content, not the message. “Unsung Hero” breaks the pattern by pouring on Christianity.
At times, the dialogue feels contrived, and everyone seems to handle living in a foreign land exceptionally well. They have no car, food, or furniture but never stop praising the Lord. Yes, it’s inspirational, if not convincing, but like most biopics these days, “Unsung Hero” plays it safe as it pays tribute to the Smallbone parents.
Joel Smallbone’s performance as his father is very good, and it’s the film’s saving grace as the character arc feels authentic. He suffers and loses faith and sight of what is most important in life: family. While out there looking to represent the next big Christian artist, he failed to notice his daughter Rebecca’s talent.
“Unsung Hero” hits a few false notes, but it succeeds in delivering an inspirational message. I would have enjoyed the film more had I been familiar with Rebecca St. James and for KING & COUNTRY.
(3 stars)
Now showing in theaters
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