A Hero Ain't Nothin' But a Sandwich

Wow! Speechless in the main character's acting abilities. Larry B. Scott should have won an Oscar for this performance. It's simply one of the best ever by a youngster. I also love how the movie tackles issues that were going on in the inner city communities shortly after civil rights. Wish they had shown how the drugs made their way into the community instead of black pushers. Oh well.... It covers a single mom wanting love and father's figure in a child's life. It covers child abandonment and a child's desire to have that father in his life. It covers a stepfather's struggle to pour into a kid who refuses to validate his role in their relationship. The only thing I did not like was how the actors allowed the friendship to Benji had with his best friend to dissolve. The reconciliation at the end also was long and deep enough. This movie will resonate with kids like myself who grew up in this neighborhood at this time and witnessing many others deal with these problems Hollywood sucks for not giving Larry Scott any good roles after this. Revenge of the Nerds and Space Camp? Really? Gee whiz... oh well salute from me sir!!!

"A Hero Ain't Nothin' But a Sandwich" is a look at a boy in South Central LA and the lure of heroin. Although it might seem like a kids' movie, there's some gritty stuff here. Not just the drug usage, but also the reaction from the adults in the boy's life. It just goes to show that life in the ghetto doesn't let you escape the rough things; conditions only worsened in successive years.

In addition to the fine performances from Cicely Tyson and Paul Winfield (who later appeared in "The Terminator"), newcomer Larry B. Scott does well in his role (he later played one of the nerds in "Revenge of the Nerds").

I recently watched A Hero Ain't Nothing but a Sandwich (1977) on Prime. The story follows a young boy living on the streets of New York who becomes addicted to heroin. His mother and stepfather try to guide him toward a better path, but his struggles threaten to tear the family apart.

Directed by Ralph Nelson (Lilies of the Field), the film stars Cicely Tyson (The Help), Paul Winfield (The Terminator), Larry Scott (Revenge of the Nerds), Helen Martin (Death Wish), Glynn Turman (Gremlins), and Bill Cobbs (Demolition Man).

This movie is outstanding in nearly every way. The cast is phenomenal, with each actor perfectly suited to their role. The writing is excellent-capturing the nuances of addiction, family tension, and the broader social challenges with striking authenticity. Every scene feels vital, and the drug-use sequences are especially painful to watch, heightened by how young the characters are.

The film's themes and emotional weight reminded me of Crooklyn-particularly in the portrayal of family dynamics, character development, and the hardships of parenthood. The ending is both brilliant and brutally realistic.

In conclusion, A Hero Ain't Nothing but a Sandwich is an underrated masterpiece. I give it a 9/10 and strongly recommend it.

~10 Stars! This is an excellent portrait of a family in the ghetto just trying to make it, with many temptations along the way including drugs & crime. Larry B. Scott does a fantastic portrayal of "Benjie"--a good student turned junkie. He sure shows a great acting range, in a role that would be tough for anyone to play, let alone a teenager. I would love to see Scott in more roles. Of course, Cicely Tyson is wonderful as his caring mother & also Paul Winfield as his "stepfather." A special notice should also go to Helen Martin (of 227 & also Good Times fame, as Wanda). All in all, a realistic film about a family dealing with some very tough & trying issues.

A timeless lesser known film from the 1970's. Its true this film was made over 27 years ago but the storyline subject matter is more relevant today than ever. Its a shame that many do not have the opportunity of viewing this film. I recommend this film to anyone who wants to understand on how drug abuse can affect your family and friends. Cicely Tyson and Paul Winfield performance was very warm, heart felt and exceptional. It is amazing on how they co-starred many films together. Its like the perfect combination on how to balance out character film development. I saw this film when I was younger and now I have viewed it with my children. There needs to more films like this to help families that have been victimized by drug abuse.