Joe 2014

(565-word review) This film is an odd one for me. I don't know how to feel about it. When the ending credits began, I noticed that the third one said, "Based on the novel by Larry Brown." I don't even remember now, but I'm 90% sure that thought came to me before diving in, whether this film's an adaptation of a novel. And when I read that, it made sense. Something about this film gave off that vibe: the pacing, the structure, the atmosphere.

Now, I don't think I'm saying that in a negative way. At the same time, that crucial detail could've been responsible in some way or form for my uncertainty regarding this film. This story seemed better made to read; it's no surprise it was a novel first. And even then, it wouldn't be "up-to-par" because that world, I'd imagine, is vaster than television and films: if this adaptation is anything close to the source material, the novel, while not at the bottom of the barrel, would still be at least at the middle.

I wasn't necessarily bored; however, it was as if I was waiting for something, waiting for something more: even feeling that something more would happen, while its entirety seemed to go forward but in circles, aimless, and then it was over. The overall vibe/atmosphere, the direction by David Gordon Green, and the score contributed to this.

Afterward, I realized something obvious. There WAS a story and all that other basic stuff where otherwise, there wouldn't be a film: development, progression, resolution, you know? Except I was waiting throughout its entirety. I wasn't seeing much substance. Even in hindsight, I'm not seeing much of it or feeling a sense of "accomplishment" or time well spent. I hope I'm making some sense.

That said, the story, particularly everything between Joe and Gary, was well-done, maybe even impactful to a certain extent, with some semblance of value and a story worth telling. Tim Orr's cinematography was pretty good and beautiful, very vibrant. Jeff McIlwain and David Wingo's score was also good: immersive, maybe a little too much; it painted a different picture prematurely than the one given to us with this film, as did its unusual, borderline foreign world and overly ambitious atmosphere.

Furthermore, the performances by Nicolas Cage, Tye Sheridan, and Gary Poulter were great. All of them were around the same level; I can't say one was the clear standout. Ronnie Gene Blevins' performance was also fairly decent.

This role of Nic's was his most level-headed one yet of the two, now three, films of his I've seen, which was disappointing in a way; however, he still delivered: and I got that laugh he made over the phone call about 8 minutes in, reminiscent of that Nicolas Cage, all-in/committed intensity, including a few outbursts, so I was well-fed.

Invoking a similar general feeling as The Art of Self-Defense, a film I loved, although not as strong: this film had a good enough story, with better performances by the three forefront actors and a pretty decent score as the cherry on top, yet for me, the overall product didn't have as much success with its delivery as these things would suggest, contrary to the success of that suggestion for a good number of people, from the looks of it.

Still, this is a film worth watching, and I'd recommend it.

An ex-con called Joe creates a friendship bond with a fifteen year old boy who lives a troubled life due to his alcoholic father. Joe can't understand why he quickly became so attached to this boy but it seems like the boy is messing up with his emotions and for a man like Joe that's not good at all. He is very impulsive and trouble seems to be just around the corner for him every time. The boy starts to see him as some kind of the father figure, the figure that he wished his father to be. Joe sees how he suffers but at the same time this fifteen year old boy can be so strong to deal with the hell that his life his. Fate brought that boy into Joe's life and he feels like he need to protect him.

David Gordon Green has done films such as Pineapple Express and The Sitter. Then last year he brought to us Prinche Avalanche where is very present that he leaves a bit of the humour behind to blend it with some more drama. In Joe he really steps deep into the drama genre. And one of the things that surprised me in the film is that even with a powerful dark atmosphere he never forgot to illuminate things up a bit of humour now and then providing us some spontaneous laughs without being silly and forced. The humour was used exactly at the right places. The cinematography is very beautiful with some gorgeous shots in the woods.

The performances are great and this time Nicolas Cage deserves all of the credits! Looks like the guy is back on the good track again! I loved to see him as Joe and he was perfect to play the part. He was able to transmit to us all of the anger and the pain of the character. I think the young and talented actor Tye Sheridan is a real promise. I loved to see him last year in Mud, in a similar role like he has in this film. Now let's wait to see what he is able to show us in different type of roles the future. The chemistry between Nicolas Cage and Tye Sheridan was great! I loved to see them work together. Oh and I almost forgot to mention Gary Poulter's performances as the boy's father, terrific work as well!

Joe is very dark, violent and can be sometimes disturbing showing a world filled with awful people but where there's still also good people that most of the times are judged by others without even knowing what they've been through life.

Well done David Gordon Green and welcome back to good roles Mr. Nicolas Cage!