User reviews

OK, let's be honest. I've seen (the start of) a hundred of these sorts of movies --- low-budget indie flick about a quirky group of friends, billed as a comedy but not really many laugh-out-loud moments. Most of them are utterly dreadful, and I can tell within ten minutes that I hate these people and/or have utterly no interest in their lives.

But every so often you get lucky and the whole thing works. From the first minutes you're intrigued by something, you soon care about every one of the characters, and by the end you're as in love with them as they all are with each other.

Watch it with someone you love; you'll be happy you did so!

This was a wonderful witty movie that was a pleasure to watch all the way through. Some of the plot was a bit pat, but the interactions between all the characters was fun to watch. All of the roles were well cast. The chemistry between all the main characters was great, making it a real feel good movie. I found myself wishing I could work in the sub shop with them. Jensen Ackles did very well, delivering his comic lines with his usual perfect timing. Some other reviewers here took offense at the nudity, which was not inconsiderable, but I thought it was all tasteful and part of the story. I hope this gets distributed - I'll be recommending it to all my friends.

I can't even begin to tell you how amazing this film is. The cast is wonderful, the script is fabulous, everything about it is perfect. I can't find a flaw in the film, except that it ended. I went to see it for Jensen, and he was AMAZING as Pristley, but the entire cast was just exactly right. They hit the nail on the head. I laughed, gasped, got sucked into the movie and never wanted to leave it.

I got to see it at the Newport Beach Film Festival, and was lucky enough to get to meet Jensen, Danneel, and Elisabeth. They were all total sweethearts, and so down to earth. It made the movie even better for me, but even without them, the movie gets two thumbs up from me. If you have the opportunity to see it, do it. You won't be sorry. I hope that this movie gets distributed for everyone to see, and that one day it'll be on DVD so I can watch it over and over. Seriously, it's THAT GOOD.

If you are looking for a funny, touching, insightful, feel-good movie then Ten Inch Hero is for you. It's a story about four young friends and their older, hippie dude boss at a sub shop searching for love and learning to see past outer appearances and let go of preconceived notions.

It's a deceptively simple movie. After all, we all learned in grade school not to judge a book by its cover, but maybe the simplest lessons need to be revisited every once in a while. Who among us can say we've never assumed something about a person from their outer appearance? Who hasn't felt like they didn't belong in a certain group or situation because they didn't fit the profile?

It's no wonder many of Hollywood's young actors wanted roles in this movie. Hollywood can be one of the more superficial zip codes on the planet. A handsome actor gets a role because he is handsome, but is another role denied him because he is too good looking? Good looks are a two sided sword; they may get you in the door, but will your talent be recognized? Will you be relegated to the hunky hero roles or will you be allowed to create unique characters?

That brings us to Priestly. Ah yes, Priestly! Priestly is unique, riotously funny, individualistic, sweet, witty and charismatic. Priestly rocks! He grabs the audience from his dynamic entrance and never lets go. He immediately starts spouting his sage opinions with witty humor and biting sarcasm and the audience is putty in his hands. Considering his look, with piercings, tattoos and multi-colored Mohawks, it must be the writing and Jensen Ackles' acting that sells this character. It certainly can't be Ackles' leading man looks; especially since most of the audience had no clue who he was.

Halleluiah! Maybe now the PTB will recognize what a gifted and talented actor Ackles is. Jensen Ackles always puts underlying subtext in his roles. He is a very subtle actor who becomes his characters and Priestly is no exception. His fans appreciate him most from his portrayals of Alec on Dark Angel and his current role as Dean Winchester on the CW's Supernatural. He has the ability to take a seemingly straight forward character and find the depth in them and expose their fears and inner workings with a stark realism that blows you away.

Priestly is a nice change of pace because he is allowed to embrace his comedic talent while portraying his most normal and well-adjusted character yet, despite the character's outward appearance. He takes a character most of the audience would avoid in real life and makes them care! Most of the audience would invite Priestly over to Sunday dinner by the end of the film. They loved him that much. It is refreshing to see a character whose looks appear so outside the norm be so content and happy.

While Ackles may be the obvious standout, the entire cast is superb. This is an ensemble piece with every actor bringing a fresh outlook to their character and making us care about them. We laugh with them, we cry with them and, in the end we rejoice with them. You believe in this sandwich shop and the diverse people that inhabit it and you become involved in their lives.

If you have ever attempted love or been to High School and lived within the confines of cliques, you can enjoy and empathize with these characters. The concept of outer appearances is examined in several different manners with every character discovering something new about themselves and the world around them. We all know not to judge others by looks, but how many of us realize our view of ourselves may not mesh with how the world perceives us? We may hold ourselves back just as much as we confine others.

Ten Inch Hero is downright entertaining. First and foremost it is funny. Priestly is the comedic voice and the tampon scene will go down as a classic. The movie is beautifully photographed with peaceful scenes of the beach interspersed with the lives of the friends. The director, David Mackay, keeps the movie flowing at a comfortable pace, shifting back and forth between the characters' stories, but always holding your attention. There is no clock watching or restlessness, just an engrossing, satisfying movie.

The script by first time screenwriter Betsy Morris is refreshingly realistic; it is not overly dramatic or contrived. Everything does not turn out as expected and there are three or four nice twists to offer a few surprises.

Yes, it has a happy ending although everything does not turn out perfect. Living in these times with war and fear rampant, maybe we need a pleasant respite from daily life. Isn't that what the movies are supposed to do? Take us away from our lives? The funny thing about this movie is it stays with you. Once you are reminded of that grade school lesson, you start viewing the stranger you pass on the street a little differently. You look in the mirror and wonder if you are fulfilling your potential or if you are just staying in the preconceived box?

This is a movie you will enjoy. I liked these characters and would love to hang out with them. I can't think of a better recommendation then that. If you get the chance, go see it. And if you are one of the PTB, get this movie into theaters and don't assume the target audience is under the age of thirty. All ages can feel a connection to these characters and everyone enjoys a great comedy. This movie delivers in all areas. If given the chance, with the young, talented cast of up and comers this could be a sleeper hit. It just needs a little help getting noticed. Once you get them in the theater, they'll leave happy.

The curiously titled independent film "Ten Inch Hero" by director David MacKay and screenwriter Betsy Morris follows a young woman (Elisabeth Harnois) into a quirky sandwich shop upon relocating to small-town California. The shop caters to and employs the abnormal, as is specified early on. The ensemble film that ensues involves the young artist Harnois portrays, an attractive nymphomaniac, a tattooed bad boy cook, the quiet "homely" girl, and the hippy boss with a fascination with a weird Wiccan woman.

The cast of characters feels a lot like the roster from John Hughes' "Breakfast Club" (brain, beauty, basket case, etc.) and the setting recalls the likes of James Mangold's "Heavy". The movie is not quite as derivative as this might presume, but where it fails is not in it's resemblance to other films. The main problem that hexes the piece is the inconsistence of tone as it crosscuts between the multiple story lines that open it up beyond the sandwich shop. There are comedic moments sporadically placed within out-of-place overly dramatic plot points. Although this is a competently made, if too-tidy, film it feels like its either not completely true to its romantic comedy vision or it's dramatic one.

I have to admit it. I feared this movie would be WB fare because of the actors involved and the many young audience members at the film festival where I saw it who seemed, shall we say, infatuated by certain actors in the film. The girl next to me said "Oh I love him" or similar comments every time the character Priestly came on. Because at film festivals cast and crew and their families and friends often turn up, I was tempted to ask her if she knew the actor, such were her expressed feelings of seeming familiarity with him. My husband, actually, had wanted to see this film which could be, at first glance, dismissed as a "chick flick". However, I was pleasantly surprised at the snappy dialog, good plot, fun characters, and genuine emotion that this film registered. I also loved the feelings of camaraderie among the main characters in the film. It is a heart warming film and I highly recommend it.

Piper (Elisabeth Harnois) is an art student new to Santa Cruz. She had a baby at 15 and gave her up for adoption. The new mother kept in contact for 2 years but has gone missing for the last 6 years. She believes that she has found her child in 8 year old Julia Miller. She gets a job in a sandwich shop. Trucker is the owner who is secretly in love with Zo who owns the crystal shop. Jen (Clea DuVall) is the computer nerd who has an internet relationship. Tish (Danneel Ackles) loves to manipulate man. Priestly (Jensen Ackles) is the punk cook who is secretly in love with Tish. Piper befriends Julia and her father Noah (Sean Patrick Flanery) but lies to them about her identity.

These are very photogenic young actors. The comedy is pretty lame. The two guys in the grocery store are silly without being funny. To be fair, none of these actors have great comedic skills. The other problem is that the sandwich shop seems so fake. They don't have many customers which puts into question why Trucker needs 4 young people working for him. On the plus side, the characters' personal dramas are compelling and I do root for them.

I was lucky enough to be in the right place at the right time to see this movie at the Phoenix Film Festival and I absolutely loved it. The actors all did a great job, and the chemistry among the whole group was wonderful. I would love to have them for my new best friends. Jensen Ackles (Priestly) was really amazing--charming, charismatic and fantastically funny--an opinion clearly shared by the entire audience. Elizabeth Harnois, Daneel Harris and, especially, Clea DuVall put depth and heart into their characters and Jon Doe and Alice Krige were a joy to behold. The movie made me laugh out loud and tear up as well. Even my picky, analytical cynic of a husband was delighted and moved. The best word I can think of to describe this movie is "joyous." It is destined to supplant Pretty Woman as my new favorite movie to watch when I need a lift. I truly hope the movie acquires a solid distribution deal, because I think it would be a shame to deprive a wide audience of such a delight. I can hardly wait for another chance at it myself.

well....this movie is a real life experience and the characters are those we see in our day to day life. only when you see your own life from a distance (watching a movie like this), you would be able to understand how much we really miss our mates in our life. I could feel the intense of every character's feelings for the other in the movie. they truly lived the role in the film. May be because i saw this film all alone, i could get into it fully and stay in it for sometime. I am writing this after two days of running my mind over it and i still feel good. Many characters but one motive- "realizing love". And all the characters takes different tracks to reach the motive. it is quite an interesting play of characters which make it absolutely acceptable. To conclude - I wish i could have been a part of this film or worked in this film.

Ten Inch Hero is a touching, elegant and sweet movie about people not quite so ordinary, and the masks they wear for each other without even knowing, without even wanting to. It's also a movie about tearing down the masks and - simply - finding what's really important.

The movie is worth watching at least several times. The dialog is witty and sharp, the plot elegantly constructed and absorbing, the music masterful (and funny, because it perfectly mirrors the plot and - surprisingly - brings comic relief in a few carefully chosen places), the filming beautiful and professional, and the actors good, funny and entirely believable.

Clea DuVall is, as usual, a quiet but very intense presence on the screen, yet the filmmakers don't let her steal the show entirely. Same goes for Jensen Ackles, the central "fun" character, who has quite a few superb moments that show both his comedic ability and enchanting subtlety. Alice Krige was a wonderful casting choice, and her presence (complimented by the music) transforms the scenes in funny and touching ways.

In other words, I want the DVD, and I want it right now!

This one reeks of IMDb rigging. All those glowing reviews and high marks and then you actually watch this turd and it's nothing like what the cast and crew reviews say it is. Many of the 10/10 reviewers admit to being prompted by someone who worked on the movie to write a glowing review, like we couldn't tell. Embarrassingly predictable, (they've sifted through every trite cliché they could find and distilled them all into this). Shot like a TV rom com, acted like it was shot before a live audience by inexperienced actors (ie they stick with entirely average performances rather than work them into something decent), lit for TV, scripted with a "try to please everyone" dumbed-down - syrup coated - hollow - interconnection of not really connected stories. I've seen many of these actors do much better, so it must have been bad direction that made them turn in these performances. Every smile delivered like an empty grin; every 'heartfelt' moment delivered like it was read by a middle school drama class. For a movie who's tenuous message seemed to be "looks don't matter" (yet everyone is plastic-ally pretty) The only interesting character was forced to conform to the shallow beauty ethic by removing his individuality in order to get the loose girl. What a charming message that is, and for a movie that likes to think its so indie how incredibly mainstream of it.

Being mediocre isn't a crime but rigging reviews in order to trick people into seeing your movie is. I would have switched this movie off after 10 mins and clocked it up to mass market rubbish, but I persisted with this one in an effort to see what all the hype was about. What it turned out to be about is a manipulative attempt to push a worse than average movie that "should have been a TV show that got canceled" past viewers who under better informed circumstances wouldn't go near this. This is not a cool indie movie, no matter how many times the bought and paid for hype team say it is.

Maybe these people believe their own hype. maybe they think they're quirky indie cinema, maybe they think they're punk when they're really just jocks,

Did I mention the direction was really really bad. Each scene ploddingly laid out, each emotional response labored and hollow, no interesting camera work to add any amount of impact, edited in a workman like fashion, nothing has any chance of lifting this movie apart from the slogans on Priestly t-shirts, and only then they provide a passing amusement.

DON'T WATCH THIS MOVIE, DON'T BE FOOLED BY THE PUFF PIECE REVIEWS. It's biggest crime is not that it was below average. It is that they've purposefully tried to mislead people on here into believing it is something it isn't.

one last note, For a movie that seems to strive to be watered down Hollywood and not offend they slip in a full body nude scene out of nowhere, for no particular reason. Not that I'm offended but where did that come from and why? After watching the whole thing should I really be surprised?

I don't know if I can convey in words exactly how wonderful this movie is. I was very lucky to see it at the 2007 Newport Beach Film Festival. And from the laugher and tears that the whole audience had, it was fantastic.

The stories of all the characters were combined to tell a wonderful story. The story, the direction, the acting, the music, was above par for anything you usually see today.

I was laughing so much at times my sides hurt. My eyes got wet at other times. And sometimes you just got an overwhelming since of happiness.

When it was over, I turned to the girl setting next to me, and we both agreed we wanted to see it again, right then and there! And the whole audience started clapping.

I surely hope to see this on the big screen, where I will drag all my co-workers and friends to. I have not stopped talking about it, and they are all now convinced to go see it, when it hits the big screens. And trust me, I'll be buying it when it comes out on DVD. It is one of those movies, that you can just watch time and time again.

I saw this at the Santa Cruz Film Festival and enjoyed it immensely. Jensen Ackles stole the show--anyone who watches Supernatural knows he's got great comedic timing--but the other roles were well-played, too (particularly Clea DuVall), and the story/characterization unfolded believably (for a rom-com) and enjoyably. The core of the script, with the team of friends working together at the sub shop, was engaging and smart, and the plot was solid (avoiding the huge leaps that plague many films) and even contained a few unexpected twists. I laughed, a lot; my companion cried, a little. I can't wait until this gets wider distribution so I can watch it with more of my friends. Perfection, no; an enjoyable evening's entertainment, surely. I'll be buying this when it's available.

This is definitely the best romantic comedy that I have seen in the past several years. Great writing, solid acting and delivery, excellent production values. The dialog was fresh and edgy, and it was the first film that I have seen in a while that felt like it was written and directed by real people, and not vetted by a series of industry drones. The dramatic aspects of the film were familiar and yet not predictable. The women in the film were much more progressive and real than are typical in larger budget studio productions, and the portrayal of sex and sexuality was downright honest. The cast was obviously enjoying themselves, and stayed on task to deliver excellent performances. I really appreciated that it actually dealt with some real content and issues, but wrapped in a warm and fuzzy bubble-gum Saturday night eye-candy teen-Disney kind of context. I'm surprised that this wasn't snatched up by a distributor (note to distributors - snatch this up before the bidding war begins).

So taking off for the Santa Cruz Film Festival I had expectations of this movie already. From everything I read and seen about it. I can truly said it blow my expectations right out of the water. There is really no way to tell you how amazing this film was. It's one that you have to see for yourself. Every thing about it was awesome! From the cast to the script and the settings. I laugh and almost got a little teary eyed at one point. And what so cool we go to see it in HD! The characters were written very well. Each one was different in many ways but in some way they all related to reach other, and what's so great is that it's not something you pick up on right away. More toward the ending you start to see what it is. For a movie about friends it didn't come as fake. Like most movies about friends it's so Hollywood (aka superficial). Ten Inch Hero didn't give me that feeling once.

What I like about the movie was that was not 100% predicable. Yes it had it moments when the wheels where spinning in my head and I was able to call it before it happened but it also keep my guessing and took a few turns I never would have guessed. Like Trucker's past. The way they set it up for us to find out was funny, but when it came to open up about it, it was heart warming.

Same thing with Piper, Tish, and Jen road trip they take. That whole part of the movie was wonderful. Three friends on a journey but two for them are there to have the ones back just in case. I don't want to spoil the scene by telling you what happens cause it's just so awesome. When the scene end all I could think was wow that's there is a set of real true friends.

As far as the ending goes, yes it ended happy but not every thing was turned out like you would have thought. For me there are still a few questions open. But to tell you the truth it couldn't have end any better. Not sure I would have been happy if I got everything answered.

OK now on to my rant about Priestly! Oh man I don't think Jensen will ever stop blowing me out of the water with his acting! He so rocks! Priestly is something else. He is smart, funny, sweet, witty, unique and just made you melt. The first time we meet Priestly his entrance it so dynamic and fun you can't help but fall in love with the guy. Yes he looks different them most people with the crazy Mohawks (the multi color one was to die for), piercing and tattoos but his personality is what just grabs you in and you can't let go of it. He makes all kinds of points thru out the movie but does them in such sarcasm that it makes you stop and think about it. The only lines where to go! A few times in the movie where a heart felt scene was taking place it jumped in with his one lines and just made the scene ten time better. Priestly will stand out in my mind forever. He the kind of guy you might just have to look at twice for before you judge him. Also what was so refreshing about the movie that Priestly in no way was like Dean Winchester, Jason Teague, CJ, Alec. Jensen made him his own! I so recommended that if this movie gets pick up that EVERYONE SEE IT! Cause you will enjoy it.

So to wrap this up, all I have to say that the tampon scene will go down in history as one of the best ever! Priestly/Jensen so rocked it like no other.

I am sorry to say, that i am really disappointed. first by the movie i had to force myself thru right now, as well as by the amazingly high rating it got on IMDb. And i have to say: i am not at all against romantic comedies or if you want "chick flicks". But this one just had nothing to offer for me at all. It was filled with annoying clichés, the acting was embarrassing and the story totally, and i mean absolutely, predictable. there were so many scenes in the movie that made me feel physically ashamed for everybody involved in this production, that i still feel a bit dizzy. the music was awful and can be only compared to the terribly cheesy pictures the so called "artistic" main character is drawing. but that not enough. after 90 minutes of bugging the viewer how unimportant looks are the only slightly likable character changes his whole dressing and hair style to get the "hot chick" of the store, that seemed to be his friend already for years! It is hard to believe nobody else found that somewhat against the often cited "important message" of this train wreck. sorry, but i recommend to see forgetting Sarah Marshall a second or even a third time instead. the only reason i gave it 2 points is the standard editing you cant feel.

I thought Ten Inch Hero was a wonderful film! I really enjoyed it! I wasn't sure what to expect because I had never seen an independent film before. It ended up being much better than I thought it was going to be. Even though I am a Jensen Ackles fan, that wasn't the only reason I loved Ten Inch Hero. The plot and storyline were well written and the characters were very interesting. All of the actors did a fantastic job in their roles! The film also had a great message attached to it that anyone can relate to. It wasn't just some superficial movie about a group of friends. I would love to see it come out in the mainstream theaters, I wish it already was so that I could see it again. I am definitely buying this one when it's released on DVD.

I had been waiting for a good long time to see this movie and finally got the chance at the July screening in LA. The biggest compliment that I can think to give is that the movie captivated me from the first frame through the last and that it delivered exactly what I had hoped it would (with a few surprises along the way).

The cast was fantastic, bringing the witty and touching words of the script to life in a fun, beautiful setting. Though I had seen bits and pieces about the film through blogs and pictures, seeing it all play out in a theater was fantastic.

There is so much more I could say, but I have refrained from even telling my friends the details because this is a movie best watched unspoiled for the first time. I can only hope that it will get picked up for distribution and that I will be able to see it on the big screen again as well as on DVD.

I caught this on cable a few nights ago and, based on the synopsis ("Four friends search for love and happiness while working at a California sandwich shop"), I figured it would fall into the "so bad, it's good" category. Well, it's pretty straightforward bad. Don't get me wrong, there are many an unintentionally hilarious moment. Actually, it's chock-full of unintentionally hilarious moments (i.e. the back-alley beat-down and the cheesy paint-by- numbers mural at the end) which is why the 10 star reviews on here are highly questionable.

Charming? Incredible? A tasty treat?

Betsy Morris, is that you?

The plot centers around three young women who sort out their love lives and personal issues while working a minimum wage job in food service. Does that sound vaguely familiar? Yeah, "Ten Inch Hero" is basically the the less attractive little sister to "Mystic Pizza." In place of Mystic Pizza's endearing characters, we have a group of one-dimensional, stereotyped duds whose personal woes aren't all that interesting when you get right down to it. In fact, I can't even remember any of the character's motives. Was there a plot?

I wouldn't recommend this movie unless you've had a rough day and, rather than taking out your frustrations on those closest to you, you need a trite, direct-to-video movie as your sh**-talking outlet. If you're looking for the charming, incredible, feel good rom com some of the "reviewers" on here have mentioned, keep looking.