Unstrung Heroes (1995)

74% of critics liked it
(23 reviews)
53% of users liked it
(2,150 ratings)

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… More 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. ~ Michael Betzold, Rovi

Rating, Runtime: PG, 1 hr. 34 min.
Directed By: Diane Keaton
Genres: Drama, Comedy

In Theaters: Sep 15, 1995 Wide
On DVD: Jun 3, 2003

Critic Reviews

Nell Minow, Common Sense Media
Quietly moving story of a boy dealing with loss.
Larry Carroll, Countingdown.com
A very touching film that features great performances all around. This is the type of movie you'll watch and wonder why you've never heard more about it.
Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat, Spirituality and Practice
Shows how misfits can be necessary spiritual teachers for youth coming-of-age.

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

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Cast

            Andie MacDowell as Selma Lidz

            John Turturro as Sidney Lidz

            Michael Richards as Uncle Danny Lidz

            Maury Chaykin as Uncle Arthur Lidz

            Nathan Watt as Steven "Franz" Lidz

            Kendra Krull
            
            Lillian Adams as Aunt Estelle

            Candice Azzara as Joanie

            Becky Ann Baker as Mrs Harris

            Lou Cutell as Uncle Melvin

            Anne De Salvo as May

            Sean P. Donahue as Ralph Crispi

            Wayne Duvall as Mr Crispi

            Zoaunne Le Roy as Mrs Kantruitz

            Jack McGee as Lindquist

            Vince Melocchi as Inspector Marshall

            Mary Mercier as Waitress

            Julie Pinson as Nurse Franklin

            Celia Weston as Amelia

            Chris Warfield as Mr Clements

            Andrew Craig as Man in Line

            Joey Andrews as Ash

            Candy Azzara
            
            Giuseppe Andrews
            
            Sumer Stamper
            
See full cast

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