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Steve Nichols (John Ritter) is a struggling New York actor. PR man Walter Reeves (Bert Convy) hires him and others to dress up as Captain Avenger to promote a cheesy superhero movie. Steve stops a robbery at a grocery store which becomes local news. Reeves is working to re-elect the mayor and sees value in a superhero making the citizens feel good. He searches to find which of the 62 actors he hired is the Captain Avenger hero. Steve has a crush on his neighbor Jolene Marsh (Anne Archer) who slowly takes a liking to his non-stop flirting.

John Ritter is a really likable actor. His charming personality is mostly what this movie has to offer. The rest is functional but not much more. Anne Archer is fine but the movie needs a better villain. It is a superhero movie after all. The plot lacks tension. This all boils down to Ritter being such a nice charming guy.

John Ritter is charming in his role as Steve Nichols. This movie is great, a cute comedy/drama that is sure to win your heart. John's character's charm is reminiscent of that of Jack Tripper. The character of Steve Nichols is sure to capture your heart while the story itself leaves a good feelings. Comical yet there's some real feeling in it. A story about a wannabe actor turned hero, what's better than that. I was a little worried about the whole Captain Avenger thing but its played out very well. And there are some very funny moments in this movie. Definitely a good movie to watch on a rainy day! And if you have seen it, but not in a long time, it's worth picking up again!

A 2 bit actor turns his part time job of hyping a movie into becoming a public defender, of sorts. His daring exploits unite the community and provide the mayor with a political boost. Plus, the hero finds love along the way. Nice, easy little production.

Steve (John Ritter) is a struggling Manhattan actor with a string of part time jobs to help make the rent. Even then, its a struggle, although his apartment is modest at best. One day, he gets a gig as a film promoter. The job calls for him, as well as two dozen other lads, to dress as a superhero, Captain Avenger, and stir up interest around the theater where the movie will premiere. On the way home, Steve's still in costume, half covered with a jacket, when he stops at a local carryout for milk. Its near closing time but the elderly couple let him in. Following Steve, unfortunately, is a would-be robber, who gallops in the door. Disappearing around a corner, Steve comes back as the masked crusader and scares the thief away. The couple is most grateful. The next day, as Steve ponders if he can help someone else in "distress", he gets a look at his new female neighbor, Ms. Marsh (Anne Archer). Wow, is she classy and pretty! From day one, the handsome, engaging actor is in hot pursuit, even though Ms. Marsh does not encourage his attentions. Meanwhile, news of Steve's heroism at the carryout reaches the film's producer (Bert Convy) and he asks to Steve to help "stage" more rescues to increase the box office takes. Will Steve get a real job and win the heart of his neighbor? This is a nice little film with semi-large laughs for the romcom crowd or fans of Ritter. Our John does a fine job, as does the beautiful Archer and the rest of the crew. Yes, the sets, costumes, and amenities are merely average but the script has some clever and inspiring moments while the direction is lively. Do look for Hero, romance-and-comedy fans. You will be sweetly entertained.

Released in 1980, "Hero at Large" is a drama/romance about a struggling actor in Manhattan (John Ritter) who gets a gig pretending to be Captain Avenger and signing autographs. While trying to start a relationship with a stand-offish woman across the hall (Anne Archer) he unwittingly stops a crime dressed up as the superhero and becomes an overnight sensation in the New York media, albeit anonymously. Can he keep his motives pure or will he sacrifice his integrity for filthy lucre? Bert Convy, Kevin McCarthy and Harry Bellaver have peripheral roles.

Ritter was in the best physical shape in his life when this was shot, riding the height of his popularity with Three's Company (1976-1984). Unfortunately a great film career was not to be (the only other movie I remember his being in is 1996' "Sling Blade"). He's a thoroughly likable protagonist, but his character comes off too good to be true. His too-nice approach fails to stir up the romantic interest of the babe across the hall, who apparently prefers sharp studs in sports cars to puppy dogs with infatuated eyes.

The New York City locations are great and the movie works as a period piece for 1979 (when it was shot), but important points aren't driven home as they should've been. They're there, and you'll discern them if you reflect on the movie, they're just not driven home while viewing. In the meantime you have to endure an uninteresting non-romance that may or may not blossom. Archer shines with her smiley eyes, but her character is so aloof that it's unbelievable that Steve (Ritter) would continue pursuing her. She's clearly NOT interested. Meanwhile, Convy looks great and is unintentionally amusing in his late 70's goggles.

The picture runs 98 minutes and was shot in Manhattan and Queens.

GRADE: C

This role is one of Ritters' best performances in a highly acclaimed career. His portrayal of a really nice and well-meaning guy, who has to make a tough ethical decision to help him pay his bills, is thoughtful and funny at the same time without being over-the-top Jack Tripper funny. Ritter and the Director give a great real-world look at super-heroes. How does he get to crime scenes? Can he dodge bullets? Where does a super hero get medical attention?

In a way it's sort of a misnomer to call him a super hero since he doesn't actually have any super powers, but his willingness to put himself in danger to help others is the core value that all super heroes must have. The fact that he goes out and tries to stop crimes anyway, without super powers, makes him even more courageous than a true comic book hero in a way.

Before movies like Unbreakable and Spiderman came along I called this movie the best super hero movie ever made. No special effects other than a few fires. No flying through the air. Just a real guy showing that courage and caring are what's really important. One of the best feel-good endings of any movie ever made.

John Ritter stars in this good hearted comedy as Steve Nichols who is a struggling actor looking for his next acting gig. He lands a job playing Captain Avenger with a bunch of other actors signing autographs at the theatres where the new movie is playing. Look for Kevin Bacon who plays a youngster outside of the theatre. After that night he goes to a corner store, but two thugs enter after him and try to hold the place up. Nichols still wearing his Captain Avenger uniform prevents the store from being robbed and thus begins his new acting role playing a superhero. Thing is he doesn't have any super powers. Anne Archer plays his neighbour J. Marsh that he takes a liking to. Bert Convy plays Walter Reeves and Kevin McCarthy plays Calvin Donnelly who want Captain Avenger to stand with the mayor (Leonard Harris) to be re-elected in the city of New York.

It's not bad and Ritter makes it watchable. The ending though to me does not seem enough to conclude the film perfectly to me, seems a little slapdash to me, not to mention incredibly dangerous for an ordinary man or woman to try, which is what Steve Nichols is. That is why they do have fire departments. Kenneth Tobey plays the firechief. Certainly worth a watch though.

I watched this movie when I was like six. I loved it then. I was thinking about it today and decided to rent it. I have no idea why I thought of it. Just out of the blue. But it really holds up well. It is a fun little film and John Ritter and Ann Archer are really marvelous. I highly recommend it. The film is really remarkable on a lot of levels.

Steve Nichols (John Ritter) is a struggling New York City actor who unable to get his "break" moonlights as a cab driver and dressing up in costume as Captain Avenger to promote the B-level film of the same name. On his way home one evening stopping at grocery store for milk, two thugs attempt a robbery and Steve still in costume gets the drop on them saving the store owner and his wife. The story takes New York City by storm with the Captain Avenger movie seeing record business and many in the media and publicity circuit looking to capitalize including the struggling incumbent mayor. Steve's neighbor, Jolene Walsh (Anne Archer) eventually discovers his secret and assists him in what ways she can despite not completely approving of Steve's playing "hero", and the two begin a friendship and possible romance.

Released in 1980, Hero at Large was released at the height of Three's Company's popularity. While John Ritter had become a popular staple of TV, he often struggling with headlining features with his films subjected to rather middling responses. Hero at Large did okay in its quiet February release slot, with contemporary views being very middle of the road and the majority of the film's exposure coming from airings on cable TV. In the years since it's release, Hero at Large has seen something of a resurgence in interest thanks to the prevalence of superhero themed comedies with entries such as Kick-Ass, Super, Defendor, and others. Hero at Large doesn't go as far with its premise as it could've, but as a prototype for this kind of film built around the framework of a romantic comedy it's pretty easy viewing.

John Ritter is what sells the movie. Hero at Large at its core takes the traditional trappings of seen in the glut of vigilante films of the 70s and 80s and files down their rougher edges filtering them through the lens of the goofy optimistic sincerity of the Richard Donner/Christopher Reeve Superman films. Ritter is just an absurd level of nice and pleasant in the lead which makes him the perfect person for this role. Steve isn't interested in fame or glory and only does his amateur super heroics because he wants to do good. Anne Archer is also good playing the love interest Jolene Walsh who contrasts with Steve's outlandish likability and altruism embodying a more cynical and grounded persona. The scenes of them interacting together are filled with charm going from chance roommates to something more quite naturally. The romance is definitely the strongest part as the superhero section is rather scant.

While there are scenes of Steve engaging in superhero shenanigans, they're very brief save for a scene in the climax. There are sequences where we see hints of the larger scale of events inspired by Steve's actions such as a round table panel discussion show with notable pop psychologist Joyce Brothers playing herself espousing the virtues of Steve's outings as Captain Avenger, but this side of the movie feels underdeveloped with a rather low frills take on the material as there's really only five (though technically three) scenes where we see Steve in proper action. There's also a subplot with an unpopular mayoral incumbent wishing to utilize the Captain Avenger popularity to prop up his own limping campaign, but it doesn't really go anywhere save for leading to Steve's third act nadir.

Hero at Large is basically the prototype for the Superhero comedy subgenre and as a prototype you can definitely see the appeal and promise, but not much polish on the delivery. While the superhero aspect is played up in the marketing of the movie, Hero at Large is without question first and foremost a romantic comedy, and as a romantic comedy it has everything it needs with two solid leads, engaging chemistry, and a gentle but likable sense of humor. Hero at Large is the kind of movie that's nigh impossible to dislike and makes for a cute and pleasant little film.

There's a lot going on with "Hero At Large." Notably, this is a film that was, for the bulk of it, made on location in NYC, circa 1979. That fact alone would be enough to recommend it, because it gives you a glimpse into what the city was about at that time, how it looked, what was playing at local movie houses and on Broadway, and what was important to its residents.

But this film goes well beyond the basics of the setting. And that's due to a meaningful script by A.J. Carothers and a truly remarkable performance by John Ritter.

In some ways, Ritter's character here is in a similar situation to Dustin Hoffman's character in 1982's "Tootsie." He plays an out of work actor who is desperate to get a part in a play, or even a commercial just to make the rent. When he books the role of Captain Avenger, a comic book hero who is the star of a cheesy live action film, he's not the motion picture actor, he's the stooge signing 8 x 10s outside of the theater dressed in the character's costume, one of dozens of actors playing the part all over town! But on the way home from his gig, when his local grocer gets held up at knife-point, he uses that costume to thwart the street toughs and saves the day! His interest in his next door neighbor, J. (Anne Archer) helps to fuel his heroics, and he finds himself starting to take chances to help people and win her attention and affection, and to make a statement about what's really important.

A surprise is Bert Convy, who was known for his "nice guy" image, here goes against type as the sleazy PR manager, who was in charge of both the Captain Avenger film and the Mayoral Campaign of the incumbent, who sees a way of tying the two together, based on the genuine heroics of the actor, that regular guy trying to make people think about a bigger idea(l).

This is a New York movie, through and through, but it's the heart of the film that makes it special and that's due to John Ritter. His performance is always genuine, never hits a wrong note and is a tribute to the actor himself. It's those elements that take this film to soaring heights! Plus there are cameos by some of the city's longtime television reporters: Who knew that Penny Crone had brown hair at one time?

Hero At Large may not be the greatest superhero film ever, but it's better than many that are longer on special effects and much shorter on story.

I love this movie. John Ritter portrays a classic good guy. - He's a struggling actor who was wearing a Captain Avenger costume to promote its film along with over 20 other actors throughout New york City. After doing the promotion, He was still wearing the costume under his coat while a shopping at a corner grocery store when it gets robbed. He removes his coat and prevents the robbery. The media gets word of a person wearing a Captain Avenger costume stopping a crime and wonders if he will reappear. John Ritter's character feels good about what he did and decides he wants to more. He prevents another crime and gets injured. He also gets locked out of his apartment for not paying his rent, so woman across the hall to gives him a place to stay while he heals. Politics get involved before the suspenseful ending -- This is a feel good movie with romance and a great suspenseful ending.

John Ritter playes a real life costumed hero. This movie starts out a little slow but gets better quickly. This is a wonderful romantic adventure film about caring and helping others. It also has possibly the best ending to any movie.

You dont have to be a John Ritter fan to enjoy this. Campy? Yes. Edgey? No. BUT JUSTVTRY NOT TO Tear up and get goose bumps at the end !! A total FEEL GOOD ABOUT MANKIND ENDING

John Ritter plays a starving actor, whom is signed to portray a movie superhero at a theater promotion. On the way home, while dressed in costume, he foils a robbery. Discovering he enjoys helping to protect people, Ritter begins fighting crime dressed as the costumed superhero.

Ann Archer does a wonderful job as Ritter's love interest. Bert Convey is suitably oily as the PR man who uses Ritter for his own personal gain.

The movie has a great, rousing score, and a genuinely poignant climax. A worthy view

Those three words alone summarize the heroic spirit in all of us, and that is what this movie is really about. Those of you who have seen the film know what I am talking about. Those of you who have not, for God's sake, go buy it and see if the moment when Gerry Black speaks those three words don't move you to tears. In so many ways, those words are a precursor to the words of real life heroes when on the darkest of days the bravest among us demonstrated their American spirit with the words, "Let's roll!"

Yes, this is a great John Ritter movie, but as the other famous line in the movie declares, "It does not matter who it is." Watch it! And believe!

You might want to compare this film with a film called Hero, staring Dustin Hoffman. Both films are about ordinary people who perform extraordinary actions, thereby becoming "heroes". In Hoffman's film the main character is a sleaze who's philosophy is do unto other before they get a chance to do unto you. Ritter, on the other hand is a nice guy who is seduced by the glory of being heroic. Hoffman spends most of the movie trying to avoid recognition for his heroic acts while Ritter becomes caught up in a scheme to capitalize on people's need for heroes. Both men's lives are held up as evidence that all of us have the capacity to be a hero under the right circumstances. Both films are inspiring with important things to say. Hero At Large however is a small film while Hero is a big budget film with major actors. I thoroughly enjoyed both but by comparison, Hero beats you over the head with its message. I can't help liking Hero At Large just a little better.

John Ritter(1948-2003) is at the height of his career. He starred in ABC's "Three's Company" and he's doing "Hero At Large" plays an out of work actor who gets his break playing a superhero. He does a heroic deed by thwarting a robbery at a store. When he gets attention, he has a moral conscience. When he gets exposed in a political rally, the media starts to turn on him. Until a serious incident turns the tide.

Heroes are real. They don't always wear a cape or a mask. They are everywhere, every day people who make a sacrifice for the sake of others. I know that I'm a hero in a way. I stand up for justice. So don't look up in the sky for this film. It's right in your sights.

4 out of 5 stars.

This movie, without the aid of CGI, or extravagant special effects, portrays the spirit and humanity of a superhero movie, in a more real fashion than most of the current superhero movies out today. John Ritter plays the ultimate underdog hero and Anne Archer is the perfect compliment to understanding, his honest and simple character, that cares more about others than himself. In the early years of the Marvel, superhero franchises, several of the movies like Iron Man, Captain America & Ant-man shared this humanity, were you really cared about the character and what they wanted to accomplish with their powers. John Ritter's character has all of these characteristics without the aid any extra ordinary skills or powers. That's what makes this story so endearing after all these years. Hero at Large holds up so well and is still very entertaining even in 2024. The wonderful Patrick Williams score and themes really make the stories seem extraordinary and cool Highly recommended, particularly to watch the chemistry between (the late great) John Ritter and the beautiful Anne Archer.

This is a movie that was perfect for John Ritter. He plays Steve Nicoles, a nice guy who becomes a fantasy super hero. Fantasy because, he has no super powers, he has no super weapons, he fights no super villains. He doesn't even own his super-suit. What isn't fantasy is the hero part. He does want to save people and do good. Nicoles desire to do good usurps his ability to earn a living or pay his rent, causing him problems in the long run. His deeds go viral in the media and he falls victim to others with political ambitions.

Don't expect car chases, exciting CGI, fast-paced banter, just enjoy a simple, entertaining movie.

I saw this long time ago.I was not very old.I remember that a watched this movie a few times because i loved it so much.So i was surprise to see the DVD release.The price is not very expensive. So i decide to bought it.I was happy of my buy .The movie passed the time perfectly.It's fun to see a super hero like a human power.John Ritter is super in this movie.He look like the role in three's company.A funny guy that doesn't want too grow.The end of the movie is like every end of 80's movies.Its fun too see so movies finishing like this decade. Some parts are very funny.A good movie too watch in family.Or alone with your wife.

This is a comedy but it's not quite as funny or goofy as it could be and that's okay.

John Ritter is outstanding.

No surprise there.

Anne Archer is out of the world gorgeous.

No surprise there, either.

Later on, a few years later on in this decade, she would do it again as the stunning wife in Fatal Attraction.

This movie could've gone dark, and it sort've does try to go in that direction but it's like the producers or studio said, oh no, we've got John Ritter in this, it has to be silly.

He looks silly in his superhero costume and the print ads look playful, but this is a relatively serious film.

In the best of ways.

John Ritter is an amazing actor.

Anne Archer is as well.

They have undeniable chemistry.

This movie has a sweeping soundtrack and is shot beautifully.

And despite being conflicted between being dark and real and being funny, it works.

And it's entertaining and tries to deliver a positive message.

I would've loved this movie in the theaters when I was eight or nine.m in 1980.

I love it now, though I'm much older and had to watch it on streaming here in 2024.