We Can Be Heroes
Movie Trailer
Release Date
December 25, 2020
Genre
Action, Adventure, Family, Fantasy
Cast & Crew
- YaYa Gosselin as Missy Moreno
- Pedro Pascal as Marcus Moreno
- Priyanka Chopra Jonas as Ms. Granada
- Christian Slater as Tech-No
- Boyd Holbrook as Miracle Guy
- Taylor Dooley as LavaGirl
- Sung Kang as Blinding Fast
- Hala Finley as Ojo
- Lyon Daniels as Noodles
Director
Robert Rodriguez
Other Movies Director is Known For
- Spy Kids (2001)
- The Adventures of Sharkboy and Lavagirl in 3-D (2005)
- Sin City (2005)
- Alita: Battle Angel (2019)
Producer
Robert Rodriguez
Writer
Robert Rodriguez
Budget
Estimated at $30 million
Production Company
Troublemaker Studios, Double R Productions, Netflix
Running Time
100 minutes
Languages
English
Maturity Rating
PG
Content Advisory
- Mild action violence
- Some thematic elements
Movie Story
We Can Be Heroes is a family-friendly superhero film directed by Robert Rodriguez, serving as a spiritual successor to his earlier work The Adventures of Sharkboy and Lavagirl in 3-D. The story centers around a group of children who must step up to save the world when their superhero parents are captured by alien invaders.
The film begins with Earth’s superheroes, known as the Heroics, facing an unprecedented threat from an alien invasion. The Heroics, including Marcus Moreno (Pedro Pascal), Miracle Guy (Boyd Holbrook), and Tech-No (Christian Slater), are overpowered and captured, leaving the fate of the world in the hands of their children.
The central character, Missy Moreno (YaYa Gosselin), is the daughter of Marcus Moreno, the leader of the Heroics. Despite not having any superpowers of her own, Missy takes on the role of leader for the group of super-powered kids who are left behind. Each child possesses unique abilities, from Noodles (Lyon Daniels), who can stretch his body, to Ojo (Hala Finley), who communicates through drawing.
Together, they escape from a government facility where they are being held and embark on a mission to rescue their parents and save the planet. Along the way, they must learn to work together, harness their powers, and outsmart the alien invaders. The film emphasizes themes of teamwork, courage, and believing in oneself, with each child discovering their potential as they face increasingly challenging obstacles.
We Can Be Heroes features a blend of action, humor, and heart, making it an entertaining watch for younger audiences. The film also offers a nostalgic nod to Rodriguez’s earlier family films, with the inclusion of characters like LavaGirl (Taylor Dooley), who makes a return from The Adventures of Sharkboy and Lavagirl.
Special Effects
The special effects in We Can Be Heroes are colorful and vibrant, reflecting the film’s playful and imaginative tone. The CGI is used extensively to create the children’s superpowers, the alien technology, and the various action sequences. While the effects are geared towards a younger audience, they contribute to the film’s whimsical atmosphere and enhance the superhero fantasy.
Box Office Performance
We Can Be Heroes was released directly on Netflix, where it quickly became one of the platform’s most popular family films during the holiday season. The film’s success was bolstered by its appeal to both children and fans of Robert Rodriguez’s earlier work. The movie’s positive reception led to Netflix announcing a sequel in development, further expanding the Heroics universe.
Filming Locations
- Austin, Texas, USA
Notable Quotes
- “Heroes are not born. They’re made.” – Ms. Granada
- “I may not have powers, but I know how to lead.” – Missy Moreno
- “We can be heroes. We just have to believe in ourselves.” – Marcus Moreno
Behind-the-Scenes
Robert Rodriguez, known for his work on both action-packed and family-friendly films, brought his signature style to We Can Be Heroes, blending high-energy action with a heartfelt story about the next generation of heroes. The film was shot primarily at Rodriguez’s Troublemaker Studios in Austin, Texas, allowing for creative control over the production. Rodriguez’s children also contributed to the film, with his daughter Rebel Rodriguez composing part of the score, highlighting the family-centric approach to filmmaking that has defined much of Rodriguez’s career.
Awards
We Can Be Heroes was recognized for its appeal to young audiences and its message of empowerment, though it did not receive major awards.
Final Verdict
We Can Be Heroes is a fun and imaginative family film that delivers a positive message about teamwork, courage, and the power of believing in oneself. With its engaging characters, colorful visuals, and a blend of humor and action, the film is a solid addition to Robert Rodriguez’s roster of family-friendly adventures. It’s an entertaining choice for children and families looking for a light-hearted superhero story that emphasizes the importance of collaboration and self-confidence.
IMDb Rating
4.7/10