Joe (2014)

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-

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.

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.

Joe depicts some of the impacts of child abuse in a somewhat amusing (but serious) manner. However, it feels as if it is constantly trying to strive for its climax, making it quite boring until things actually become interesting. But when things kick off, they kick off, and the remaining of the second half of the film is quite good. Nicholas Cage surprisingly does a fantastic job in this film, despite his resume, and does a tough job to keep this film floating on a sinking ship. If you can battle through the first hour or so you will find light at the end of the tunnel. However, you can't excuse what could have been a much better opening. You feel as if the somber first act is being too pretentious in its goals, but it pays off somewhat in its closing act.