Evengyny Thanks for the memories!

Dorathen Better Late Then Never

Phillida Let me be very fair here, this is not the best movie in my opinion. But, this movie is fun, it has purpose and is very enjoyable to watch.

Haven Kaycee It is encouraging that the film ends so strongly.Otherwise, it wouldn't have been a particularly memorable film

Wuchak RELEASED IN 2013 and directed by David Gordon Green, "Joe" chronicles events in the heart of Texas when a goodhearted-but-flawed ex-con, Joe (Nicolas Cage), befriends a 15 year-old poor kid (Tye Sheridan) from a dysfunctional family headed by a hopeless alcoholic (Gary Poulter). Ronnie Gene Blevins plays Joe's rival while Adriene Mishler plays Joe's maybe babe. Aj Wilson McPhaul is on hand as the likable police chief.This is a southern gothic crime drama with a gritty melancholy mood similar to "Mud" (2013) and "Winter's Bone" (2010). The guy who plays the kid's dirtbag father was actually a homeless drunk who pursued acting in his youth. While he looks like he's about 68 years-old, he was actually only 53 and died on the streets of Austin a couple of months after filming stopped.The movie depicts the ugly side of "rural trash" (aka "rednecks") and is so downbeat some find it disgusting. Also, the film might seem sloppy story-wise, but that's because it respects the intelligence of the viewer to read in between the lines. If you can look past these issues, there are thematic gems to mine and occasional glimmerings of light. THE FILM RUNS 1 hour & 57 minutes and was shot in rural areas outside Austin, Texas (Bastrop, Taylor & Lockhart). WRITERS: Gary Hawkins wrote the script based on the novel by Larry Brown. GRADE: B-

mchertov-68655 It was 20 years ago that Nicholas Cage won an Oscar for Leaving Los Vegas. Since then, Nicholas Cage's career has been so volatile we cinephiles can hardly talk about it. Through the highs and lows of his career (and there have been many), Cage always leaves us wanting the high quality acting we know he has. And then he have Joe...Joe is about a character named Joe (Cage), a man who lives a simple life with his dog and his demons. He befriends Gary (Tye Sheridan), a young boy with just as much anger in him as Joe. While everything is there for a high quality film (domestic abuse, alcoholism, and a history of violence mixed with love, friendship, and fatherhood) the movie just doesn't deliver. The length and the constant use of slow- motion to show the feelings and mindset of the characters becomes repetitive and boring. The climax itself seems very out of place and forced. The majority of the characters are shallow, not helped by the shallow writing. And even with all this, there stands Nicholas Cage. If there is one reason for why this movie should be watched, it to see Nicholas Cage breaking out of the filth that his career has become. He is a terrific actor, which he reveals through his raw and gritty portrayal of Joe. Joe is a character torn by his desire to live his life, and the violence that he holds inside of him. Cage holds that rigid exterior for the entire movie, making the slight hints of vulnerability all the more heartbreaking. Even more heartbreaking is the way Cage takes Joe from a seemingly calm state to savage one. Nicholas Cage has a long road ahead of him. But Joe is definitely a start.

antoniotierno A truly impressive American rural story set in the South where you would never believe life could be so tough. Much of the supporting cast were non-professional actors but they are vivid and authentic. It's difficult to take one's eyes off him also due to Cage's character, a very intense and unpredictable presence, with excellent acting. Joe is a gripping drama with a powerful moral core, that has sympathy for those trying to make their way alone in the (bad..)world, but doesn't give them much of a chance. Friendship and hard work are its characters' only paths to redemption, which seems to arrive for the guy but not for Joe.

allankelb I had no idea that Gary wasn't a professional actor until I watched the extras on the DVD. He is so good in the role. Yes-as some mention he knew the life so perhaps it was easy for him to portray that on screen- but not everybody can do that. A good example of that is the guy who plays himself in the film about the Clash- Rude Boy- even though he is playing himself he is woeful. Anyway its such a shame that Gary passed away after making this film- imagine if he had a small film career start up on the back of this film- just like Danny Trejo has after he had a part in the film Runaway Train. He would have been able to get a home somewhere and perhaps even give up drinking. But it was not to be. I recommend watching the interviews on the DVD- he was quite an eloquent and funny man.Is this a spoiler? some people might read this before they watch the film- not knowing that Gary has passed away.