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Comedy

Hero Mode (2021): Cast, Ratings, Box Office & Where to Watch

Hero Mode (2021) movie poster

Hero Mode is a 2021 comedy directed by A.J. Tesler, starring Mira Sorvino as Kate Mayfield, Bret Harrison and Chris Carpenter. It runs 1 hour 28 minutes and earned $21,178 worldwide. Critics gave it 50% on Rotten Tomatoes and 46 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 4.5/10. Stream it on Amazon MX Player and Amazon Prime Video, or rent or buy it on Amazon Video and Apple TV Store.

IMDb rating
4.5/10
Rotten Tomatoes
50%
worldwide gross
$21.2K
Echo Score
51
Hero Mode (2021) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 28m (88 min)
Director
A.J. Tesler
Genre
Comedy
Original language
English
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is Hero Mode About?

The premise of Hero Mode without spoilers. The whole story is in the plot summary further down.

In "Hero Mode," a whiz-kid coder must level up in just 30 days to craft the ultimate gaming experience and rescue his family's struggling business from digital disaster.

Hero Mode Themes & Keywords

· 9 tags
  • game
  • game developer
  • video game developer
  • video game company
  • game company
  • coder
  • video gamer
  • youtuber
  • family relationships
Where to watch

Where to Watch Hero Mode

Stream it on Amazon MX Player and Amazon Prime Video, or rent or buy it from Amazon Video and Apple TV Store. US availability and prices from JustWatch.

Streaming availability in the US, powered by JustWatch logo

Cast & crew

Hero Mode Cast & Characters

Mira Sorvino leads the cast as Kate Mayfield, with Bret Harrison as George Mayfield and Chris Carpenter as Troy Mayfield. Directed by A.J. Tesler; 15 actors are credited in all.

Ratings

Hero Mode Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave Hero Mode 50% on Rotten Tomatoes and 46 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 4.5/10. Our Echo Score gives it 51/100, strongest in rewatch factor (58) and weakest in art & craft (45).

51 /100

Hero Mode Echo Score Breakdown

Hero Mode delivers a modestly engaging family narrative that resonates through its earnest themes of teamwork and perseverance, yet it falls short in originality and tonal consistency. Critics note the film's spry pacing and occasional genuine humor, while also highlighting predictable plot points and uneven execution. Audience responses echo this split, with some families finding it a pleasant weekend watch and others perceiving it as low‑quality. The combined sentiment positions the movie as a mixed offering that may appeal to a niche viewership.

Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.

  • Art & Craft 45

    In terms of direction and visual craftsmanship, the film presents an undemanding aesthetic that feels authentic to its modest setting. Critics point out a lack of novelty in cinematography and occasional clunky editing, though moments of spry pacing are acknowledged. The overall production design is functional but unremarkable, resulting in a modest technical impression.

  • Character & Emotion 55

    Character work shows a blend of likable performances and uneven portrayals. While some actors deliver nuanced, heartfelt moments that connect with younger audiences, other roles suffer from thin writing and questionable chemistry. The emotional core is clear, yet the execution varies, leading to a mixed assessment of acting quality and character depth.

  • Story & Flow 50

    The narrative follows a familiar underdog arc that offers occasional genuine laughs and spry pacing, yet it rarely breaks new ground. Critics cite predictable plot beats and a clunky, far‑reached storyline that undermines its charm. The storyline’s intention to inspire is evident, but its inconsistent pacing and lack of originality temper overall impact.

  • Sensory Experience 48

    Sensory elements such as soundtrack and visual style receive limited praise, with few specific strengths noted. The film’s production values feel modest, and sound design does not stand out, contributing to a perception of low‑budget execution. While moments of visual cohesion exist, the overall sensory experience remains subdued.

  • Rewatch Factor 58

    Rewatch appeal is moderate, with families citing the movie’s wholesome themes and occasional humor as reasons to view again. However, repetitive jokes, tonal swings, and predictable storytelling diminish long‑term enthusiasm for repeat screenings. The blend of strengths and shortcomings results in a moderate but not compelling replay value.

Plot

Hero Mode Plot Summary

What happens in Hero Mode from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 15 key events. The opening is below; the full summary is a 3-minute read.

Spoilers ahead

With her indie video game company, Playfield Games, teetering on the edge of bankruptcy due to a poorly received game leak before a major gaming convention, Kate Mayfield finds herself in a precarious situation. As the CEO, she had shared an early copy of her game, Jackhouse, with a potential investor during a house party. Unbeknownst to the investor, he asked for feedback from Kate’s son, Troy Mayfield, who inadvertently highlights numerous bugs in the game, leading the investor to believe he has dodged a bullet by not investing. This leaves Troy mortified as he spends the night trying to patch up the coding errors.

Full summary

The whole story of Hero Mode, scene by scene

Read the full summary
Box office

Hero Mode Box Office

Hero Mode grossed $21,178 worldwide.

2021 box office

Worldwide gross

$21.2K

US & Canada
$21.2K
Videos

Hero Mode Trailers & Videos

The trailer of Hero Mode.

HERO MODE - Official Trailer
Quiz

How Well Do You Know Hero Mode?

10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.

Question 1 of 10

  1. Question 1: not answered
  2. Question 2: not answered
  3. Question 3: not answered
  4. Question 4: not answered
  5. Question 5: not answered
  6. Question 6: not answered
  7. Question 7: not answered
  8. Question 8: not answered
  9. Question 9: not answered
  10. Question 10: not answered

What major crisis is Playfield Games facing?

Details

Hero Mode Also Known As

11 alternative titles, including “Mayfield's Game” and “开启英雄模式”.

Also known as
  • Mayfield's Game
  • 开启英雄模式
  • 英雄模式
  • En Mode Héros
  • 救世电玩
  • Modo Héroe
  • Режим героя
  • Hős üzemmód
  • 히어로 모드
  • Modo Herói
  • Hrdinský režim

Seen Hero Mode?

FAQ

Hero Mode FAQ: Where to Watch, Cast & Box Office

Runtime, release date, director, cast, where to watch, box office, ratings and post-credit scenes of Hero Mode, each answered in a sentence.

How long is Hero Mode?

Hero Mode runs 1 hour 28 minutes (88 minutes).

When was Hero Mode released?

Hero Mode was released on June 4, 2021.

Who directed Hero Mode?

Hero Mode was directed by A.J. Tesler.

Who is in the cast of Hero Mode?

Hero Mode stars Mira Sorvino as Kate Mayfield, Bret Harrison as George Mayfield and Chris Carpenter as Troy Mayfield, among 15 credited actors.

Where can I watch Hero Mode?

In the US, Hero Mode is streaming on Amazon MX Player, Amazon Prime Video and Fandango at Home Free and available to rent or buy on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store and Fandango At Home (availability from JustWatch).

How much did Hero Mode make at the box office?

Hero Mode grossed $21,178 worldwide.

How is Hero Mode rated?

Hero Mode has 4.5/10 on IMDb, 50% on Rotten Tomatoes, 46 on Metacritic and 55% on TMDB.

Does Hero Mode have a post-credit scene?

No. Hero Mode has no extra scene during or after the credits.

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