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Action drama

We Can Be Heroes (2020): Cast, Ratings & Plot

We Can Be Heroes (2020) movie poster

We Can Be Heroes is a 2020 action drama directed by Robert Rodriguez, starring Adriana Barraza as Grandma Moreno, YaYa Gosselin and Pedro Pascal. Critics gave it 76% on Rotten Tomatoes and 51 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 4.7/10.

IMDb rating
4.7/10
Rotten Tomatoes
76%
Echo Score
63
Metascore
51
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We Can Be Heroes (2020) movie poster
Released
Director
Robert Rodriguez
Genres
Action , Drama , Fantasy , Comedy
Original language
English
Studio
Netflix
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is We Can Be Heroes About?

The premise of We Can Be Heroes without spoilers. The whole story is in the plot summary further down.

When Earth's superheroes vanish, their children discover they're the only ones who can save them. A group of kids, each possessing unique and extraordinary abilities like elasticity, time control, and precognition, must work together to locate and rescue their captured parents. Led by the intelligent Missy Moreno, they face a formidable challenge in outmaneuvering their government handler, Ms. Granada.

We Can Be Heroes Themes & Keywords

· 44 tags
  • superhero action
  • non comic book superhero
  • female protagonist
  • alien invasion
  • heroine
  • superpower
  • four word title
  • stand alone sequel
  • title mentioned in song
  • alien
  • male hero
  • boy hero
+32 more
  • girl hero
  • child of superhero
  • incarceration
  • space ship
  • father daughter relationship
  • grandmother granddaughter relationship
  • slimehouse
  • supervillain
  • director also editor
  • sequel
  • second part
  • superhero
  • villain
  • power
  • fight
  • city
  • defend
  • child
  • superhero fantasy
  • whisper in ear
  • whispering in ear
  • whispering in someone's ear
  • flashback
  • team action
  • parents
  • dog barks
  • dog
  • legacy sequel
  • alien invasion sci fi
  • space sci fi
  • 20s
  • lunchables
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Cast & crew

We Can Be Heroes Cast & Characters

Adriana Barraza leads the cast as Grandma Moreno, with YaYa Gosselin as Missy Moreno and Pedro Pascal as Marcus Moreno. Directed by Robert Rodriguez; 19 actors are credited in all.

Also Starring in We Can Be Heroes

· 15 more
From the director

More from Robert Rodriguez

More films directed by Robert Rodriguez, best-rated first: Sin City, Grindhouse, Alita: Battle Angel and El mariachi.

Full filmography
Ratings

We Can Be Heroes Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave We Can Be Heroes 76% on Rotten Tomatoes and 51 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 4.7/10. Our Echo Score gives it 63/100, strongest in art & craft (80) and weakest in character & emotion (40).

63 /100

We Can Be Heroes Echo Score Breakdown

Overall, We Can Be Heroes delivers vibrant visual energy but is hampered by uneven narrative cohesion and character depth. Critics frequently commend its inventive set pieces and dynamic effects, praising the imaginative spectacle and spirited tone. Conversely, many viewers highlight flawed script structure and inconsistent performances, noting confusing plot points and uninspired character arcs. This combination yields a mixed viewing experience that may appeal primarily to younger audiences seeking lighthearted activity rather than robust storytelling.

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

  • Art & Craft 80

    In terms of art and craft, the film excels in delivering an imaginative visual palette and polished effects. Multiple reviews highlight the colorful production design and seamless action sequences, noting a cohesive blend of dynamic editing and stylized cinematography. These strengths establish a vivid backdrop that consistently elevates the film’s aesthetic appeal.

  • Character & Emotion 40

    When it comes to character and emotion, performances tend to feel superficial and underdeveloped. Audience reactions frequently cite weak acting and flat characterizations, emphasizing a lack of depth and minimal emotional resonance. Critical commentary seldom focuses on nuanced performances, suggesting that the ensemble’s banter and chemistry fail to compensate for the scripted limitations. Thus, the character work remains unconvincing.

  • Story & Flow 55

    In terms of story and flow, the narrative presents energetic twists but struggles with coherence. Critics describe the plot as playful yet occasionally nonsensical, praising its brisk pacing while noting its ridiculous turns. User feedback underscores confusion in character motivations and a hurried script that undermines engagement. Overall, the story offers sporadic enjoyment but lacks consistent structure.

  • Sensory Experience 75

    Regarding sensory experience, the film offers a lively audiovisual presentation. Reviews frequently highlight the vibrant color schemes, engaging sound design, and upbeat musical cues that contribute to an immersive atmosphere. While some note that the relentless energy can feel excessive, the overall cohesion of visuals and audio elevates the experience, providing a stimulating backdrop for the action.

  • Rewatch Factor 50

    In terms of rewatch factor, the film delivers moderate repeat appeal, especially for younger viewers or fans of its vibrant style. Some users report enjoying multiple viewings for its playful twists and energetic sequences, while older audiences find limited lasting interest due to shallow character work and predictable elements. Consequently, the rewatch value hinges on viewer demographics and tolerance for lighthearted spectacle.

Plot

We Can Be Heroes Plot Summary

What happens in We Can Be Heroes from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 15 key events. The opening is below; the full summary is a 4-minute read.

Spoilers ahead

Heroics is a thrilling tale of Earth’s super heroes. In this adventure, Missy Moreno (YaYa Gosselin) is at her home alongside her father, Marcus Moreno (Pedro Pascal), a full-fledged superhero and exceptional swordsman. Equipped with a unique power that emits a magnetic force from his hands, he effortlessly wields his blades. Their quiet day is interrupted when they receive a call for help regarding other heroes, prompting Missy to join her father and meet with the offspring of the Heroics team. The planet is under siege by aliens, rendering the super heroes defenseless against their advanced weaponry.

Full summary

The whole story of We Can Be Heroes, scene by scene

Read the full summary
Videos

We Can Be Heroes Trailers & Videos

2 videos: 1 trailer and 1 teaser.

We Can Be Heroes starring Priyanka Chopra & Pedro Pascal | Official Trailer | Netflix
  • Teaser We Can Be Heroes | Official Teaser | Netflix
Quiz

How Well Do You Know We Can Be Heroes?

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 is Marcus Moreno's superpower?

Cars

Cars in We Can Be Heroes

4 cars on screen, including the 2018 Toyota Camry and the 2000 Cadillac DeVille Stretched Limousine.

  • 2018 Toyota Camry in We Can Be Heroes 2018 Toyota Camry Important role
  • 2000 Cadillac DeVille Stretched Limousine in We Can Be Heroes 2000 Cadillac DeVille Stretched Limousine Minor role
  • 1993 Isuzu Rodeo in We Can Be Heroes 1993 Isuzu Rodeo Background role
  • 2013 Lexus ES 350 in We Can Be Heroes 2013 Lexus ES 350 Background role
Details

We Can Be Heroes Also Known As

23 alternative titles, including “As Aventuras de Sharkboy e Lavagirl 2: Podemos Ser Heróis” and “全民小英雄”.

Also known as
  • As Aventuras de Sharkboy e Lavagirl 2: Podemos Ser Heróis
  • 全民小英雄
  • 오늘부터 히어로
  • Pequenos Grandes Heróis
  • Superniños
  • C'est nous les héros
  • Мы можем стать героями
  • نحن نستطيع أن نكون ابطال
  • Můžeme být hrdinové
  • Mindenkiből lehet hős
  • Θα Γίνουμε Ήρωες
  • גיבורים זה אנחנו
+11 more
  • Będziemy bohaterami
  • Superheroicos
  • Cùng Làm Anh Hùng
  • Mini heroji
  • รวมพลังเด็กพันธุ์แกร่ง
  • Kahramanlık Sırası Bizde
  • Vamos Ser Heróis
  • ヒーローキッズ
  • Vom fi eroi
  • Meistä tulee sankareita
  • Ми можемо бути героями

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FAQ

We Can Be Heroes FAQ: Cast, Release Date & Director

Release date, director, cast, ratings and post-credit scenes of We Can Be Heroes, each answered in a sentence.

When was We Can Be Heroes released?

We Can Be Heroes was released on December 25, 2020.

Who directed We Can Be Heroes?

We Can Be Heroes was directed by Robert Rodriguez.

More films by Robert Rodriguez

Who is in the cast of We Can Be Heroes?

We Can Be Heroes stars Adriana Barraza as Grandma Moreno, YaYa Gosselin as Missy Moreno and Pedro Pascal as Marcus Moreno, among 19 credited actors.

How is We Can Be Heroes rated?

We Can Be Heroes has 4.7/10 on IMDb, 76% on Rotten Tomatoes, 51 on Metacritic and 60% on TMDB.

Does We Can Be Heroes have a post-credit scene?

No. We Can Be Heroes has no extra scene during or after the credits.

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