PEMBROKE PARK, Fla. – Much like Lone Star Barbecue Sauce is "the perfect partner for your chicken," as Sam Elliott's character repeats at the beginning of "The Hero," Laura Prepon is the perfect partner for Elliott's aging, struggling actor in the film.
When he's not lending his distinctive voice to commercials, Lee Hayden (Elliott) is smoking "the devil's lettuce" with his friend (Nick Offerman), who introduces him to a much-younger Charlotte (Prepon). Right away, there is a mutual attraction, despite their age differential.
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"You're staring at me," she says.
"Sorry," he replies.
"I didn't say I had a problem with it," she says. "I was just simply pointing it out."
Lee also learns that he's been diagnosed with cancer, causing him to reevaluate his mortality and his relationships with his estranged daughter, Lucy, (Krysten Ritter) and ex-wife (Katharine Ross, to whom Elliott has been married since 1984).
After he strikes out with his daughter, Lee asks Charlotte to accompany him to a lifetime achievement award ceremony, where the effects of the MDMA she gave him on the ride there result in a moment of resurgence for the loopy former star.
The next morning, Charlotte reveals that their night on the town has gone viral. Lee's agent calls, telling him that he's been asked to read for a part in an upcoming movie.
But the sleepover also has Lee questioning his relationship with Charlotte.
"I mean, you look like you could be my daughter's age, for Christ's sake," he tells her after asking her age.
Prepon's Charlotte doesn't back down.
"I'm not busting your balls because you're older than my dad," she retorts.
Prepon shows how much she has matured as an actress since her rise to fame as Donna Pinciotti in the long-running Fox sitcom "That '70s Show."
In one scene, Charlotte invites Lee to one of her comedy acts, but she uses the stage time to crush him, and he walks out.
Is he just new material for her stand-up routine? The resolution isn't really explored and feels a little unsettled. The same can be said of the viral video bit, which doesn't receive much follow up.
Still, "The Hero" is softly charming and worth a viewing, if for nothing else than to see Elliott carry a film.
Elliott, who has mostly been relegated to supporting roles in his lengthy career, has never been nominated for an Oscar. This is just the kind of performance that lends itself to one of those golden statuettes. Perhaps Elliott will find his way into the field of actors for his performance in "The Hero."
"The Hero"
3 out of 5 stars
Rated R
Running time: 93 minutes
Now playing at Regal South Beach 18, CMX Brickell City Centre and Cinepolis Grove 14. Opens Friday at AMC Aventura 24 and AMC Sunset Place.