Joe

Lionsgate | Release Date: April 11, 2014
7.2
USER SCORE
Generally favorable reviews based on 134 Ratings
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100
Mixed:
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Negative:
15
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7
M9kiApr 29, 2014
What a Gripping movie it dose not disappoint but at times falls below the belt. Nicolas Cage always seems to bring out the best in movies like such as these.

Maki
15 of 17 users found this helpful152
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3
BuffMovieguyMay 17, 2014
Yes it looks and feels very real but this movie is really not as good as people say, its actually quite boring. I couldn't even make it to the end! Nick cage gives a good performance but unfortunally its not enough to keep you engaged.
3 of 3 users found this helpful30
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5
SpangleAug 14, 2014
This one has many things going for it, but ultimately, does not live up to those parts. Firstly, the acting across the board is great. Nicolas Cage proves he still has it in 2014, Tye Sheridan is great, and Greg Poulter (RIP) is great in hisThis one has many things going for it, but ultimately, does not live up to those parts. Firstly, the acting across the board is great. Nicolas Cage proves he still has it in 2014, Tye Sheridan is great, and Greg Poulter (RIP) is great in his only role ever. The look and feel of this one is very realistic thanks to the alright direction from David Gordon Green and the great cinematography. However, the ultimate undoing of this one is that while it is always interesting, there is just not enough happening. I cannot really point to ways in which these characters changed throughout the film, rather they seem to be about the same. In addition, the plot does not really do much and does have much depth to it. Thus, this film is essentially about a man who takes a kid under his wing, which is a film we have seen many times, such as Mud, which sounds very similar on paper and takes the elements it has and does brilliant things with them. Here, however, Joe squanders all of its good parts and winds up just being "ok". I cannot be mad at it, because it is enjoyable, but there is just not much to write home about here. Expand
2 of 2 users found this helpful20
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8
keemtJan 1, 2016
Really great movie--I would rate it higher if I found more depth in the script instead of the good small-town story it has. Other people say this movie is "hypnotic" and I agree. A good tragedy movie for Netflix binges. On a side note, IReally great movie--I would rate it higher if I found more depth in the script instead of the good small-town story it has. Other people say this movie is "hypnotic" and I agree. A good tragedy movie for Netflix binges. On a side note, I should add that the interrelationships of the characters is really something that rings true to life and seems like a good source of insight to American life. Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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6
blophoFeb 25, 2015
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I really can't recommend this movie to anyone. While the three lead actors in this movie give great performances, the movie ultimately leaves you feeling empty and unhappy even with the optimistic ending it has. It's a really downer of a movie.

Also, if you've seen "Sling Blade" or "Taxi Driver" then you've seen this same sort of story working much better in a movie. I'd give those two a try before this movie.
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1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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7
BITESCREENJun 22, 2017
Ex-Häftling Joe (Nicolas Cage) ist hauptberuflicher Baumtöter irgendwo im US-amerikanischen Hinterland. Gegen aufgestaute Aggressionen betrinkt er sich, besucht Prostituierte oder schneidet auch mal Steaks aus ganzen Hirschen. DasEx-Häftling Joe (Nicolas Cage) ist hauptberuflicher Baumtöter irgendwo im US-amerikanischen Hinterland. Gegen aufgestaute Aggressionen betrinkt er sich, besucht Prostituierte oder schneidet auch mal Steaks aus ganzen Hirschen. Das Bodenständige hat jedoch jäh ein Ende, als er den 15-jährigen Gary unter seine Fittiche nimmt, dessen psychopathischer Saufvater Obdachlosen für eine Flasche Wein den Schädel einschlägt – und auch zu Hause gerne austeilt. Da in Joe trotz prolliger Sprüche und gelegentlicher Ausbrüche ein gutes Herz schlägt, greift er ein – mit verheerenden Konsequenzen. Durch einen unsäglichen Untertitel hierzulande als Rache-Thriller vermarktet, ist Joe – Die Rache ist sein in Wirklichkeit ein grimmiges Sozialdrama. David Gordon Greens Film punktet mit charmanten Wortwechseln, wunderschönen Naturaufnahmen und einem ungewohnt charakterstarken Nicolas Cage, während die Haupthandlung leider etwas fragmentiert daherkommt. Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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6
babybritainApr 15, 2014
A great book. A mediocre film. The story is rushed and erratic and few of the characters are fully formed. And despite taking an "indie" role, Nick Cage has still lost the ability to act.
2 of 3 users found this helpful21
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7
BigZOct 7, 2014
Nicolas Cage on point once again. I found this movie particularly for the reason that he was the main character. I had no idea what to expect, but the trailers showed promise. I was not disappointed. The angle was more on the drama side thanNicolas Cage on point once again. I found this movie particularly for the reason that he was the main character. I had no idea what to expect, but the trailers showed promise. I was not disappointed. The angle was more on the drama side than action. I was especially impressed with the portrayal of the young teen Gary. There was a razor sharp emotional grip this film had. Seeing Gary's father and family situation seems disturbingly real as though it was live footage of real people as opposed to dramatic actors. Cage helps us step into Joe's life and the conflict within him to lash out at the world and lose control of his anger. Of course it did get pretty extreme and violent. Kind of leaves you thinking, why are so many of these people in this town so messed up? Also begs the question of just how many teens suffer from the same type of thing...probably a lot more than people bother to admit. Low scale and on the slower side. Definitely strong acting though. You get to play around with the thought of whether Joe is really more of a criminal than a good man. I think the end is a sour way to wrap up that enigma but understandable. Worth a watch. Expand
2 of 3 users found this helpful21
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0
koconnorJun 22, 2014
If you like movies about drunks and degenerates then you'll love this movie. I couldn't figure out the point of this movie even though it was completely predictable. The whole time I kept thinking it had to get better, since it had highIf you like movies about drunks and degenerates then you'll love this movie. I couldn't figure out the point of this movie even though it was completely predictable. The whole time I kept thinking it had to get better, since it had high ratings, but it never did. Makes me think these rating are scammed. Expand
3 of 6 users found this helpful33
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10
ugisupriatnaApr 14, 2014
This film is worth to watch. "Joe" is a real-life story, a emotional drama with nice shot and nice scriptconcept. Cage give his whole best performance on this, can be his best performance this year, a big praised also sent to Sheridan andThis film is worth to watch. "Joe" is a real-life story, a emotional drama with nice shot and nice scriptconcept. Cage give his whole best performance on this, can be his best performance this year, a big praised also sent to Sheridan and Gary Poulter, a fit and impressive ensemble. Expand
2 of 4 users found this helpful22
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8
JamesLApr 21, 2014
I really liked this film. As one person said, it reminded me of Winter's Bone. I agree it is not as good but it was great to see Cage back in action and the story was gritty enough to keep one honest. The ending was not as predictable as II really liked this film. As one person said, it reminded me of Winter's Bone. I agree it is not as good but it was great to see Cage back in action and the story was gritty enough to keep one honest. The ending was not as predictable as I thought. I enjoyed the realism of the poor white country southerners who really do exist. It helped that I was not expecting much and got a lot from this film. This will be in my 2014 top ten. Expand
1 of 2 users found this helpful11
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8
Tss5078Sep 6, 2015
In this remake of a 1970 film by the same name, Nicholas Cage plays Joe, an ex-con and unlikely hero to a fifteen year old boy. The story is called Joe, and you'll figure out why by the end, but to be honest, I saw this film more as a comingIn this remake of a 1970 film by the same name, Nicholas Cage plays Joe, an ex-con and unlikely hero to a fifteen year old boy. The story is called Joe, and you'll figure out why by the end, but to be honest, I saw this film more as a coming of age story, with the majority of the focus on Gary (Tye Sheridan). Gary's family is difficult to say the least, both his parents are drug addicts, and it's up to him to earn a living to support his sister. One day while out in the woods, he comes across Joe, a man who owns a lumber company and persuades him to give him a job. Gary is a hard worker who comes to see his boss as more of a father figure than his own father, and when things get bad, he's turns to Joe for help. Joe is no saint though, as he has his own criminal past and is reluctant to get involved. This is one of these really dark, slow moving dramas, where everything may or may not be important to the story. The real action is spaced out, but when something happens, the intensity is off the charts. This film is very similar to, Winter's Bone, which also had a young lead trying to save her siblings. While Tye Sheridan is not Jennifer Lawrence, his more quiet demeanor makes him more likable in the eyes of the viewer. Sheridan is a kid who came out of nowhere to star in the independent film, Mud, and since then has become known for making these super dark, intense films, where he plays a quiet, reserved character that one can't help but root for. Nicholas Cage is equally as good in a role that is more dramatic than most of things he's done lately. That being said, Cage still has it and together with Sheridan make for one of the most interesting and unique films I've seen all year. The story and even the trailer seem to be a little dull, most people will look at this film and see it as too slow and dramatic, and at first, I thought so too, but as the film progresses it just gets better and better, ascending to the level of a must see movie. Expand
1 of 2 users found this helpful11
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8
SkimanApr 17, 2014
This was a great movie. A very hard story. Emotional. You get caught up in the story and the characters. Joe and Gary are true friends. Cage was fantastic. The movie had me so pulled in and would not let me go. The actor who play G-DawgThis was a great movie. A very hard story. Emotional. You get caught up in the story and the characters. Joe and Gary are true friends. Cage was fantastic. The movie had me so pulled in and would not let me go. The actor who play G-Dawg was a real homeless man. He passed away on the streets of Austin. Truly sad. He also was amazing. Expand
1 of 2 users found this helpful11
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8
loudrossMar 10, 2015
Joe is a surprisingly good movie, considering Nicolas Cage's recent run a TERRIBLE movies. The acting keeps you gripped and entertained throughout and will also keep you watching.
1 of 2 users found this helpful11
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5
TVJerryApr 21, 2014
Nicholas Cage plays a troubled man (no news there) who befriends a 15-year-old boy (Tye Sheridan) with an abusive father. Before it's all over, the inevitable unfolds. Cage enjoys the opportunity to be gruff, yet tender and Sheridan is bothNicholas Cage plays a troubled man (no news there) who befriends a 15-year-old boy (Tye Sheridan) with an abusive father. Before it's all over, the inevitable unfolds. Cage enjoys the opportunity to be gruff, yet tender and Sheridan is both sweet and sad. The supporting cast is made up of obviously non-pro actors who add to the low-class vibe. The darkness that should creep around the edge of this film tends to overpower it too early and too obviously. Director David Gordon Green ("Pineapple Express") can be greatly blamed for the oppressive and mean spirit of this predictable endeavor. Expand
1 of 3 users found this helpful12
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9
RoachramirezJun 20, 2014
Viendo esta pelicula descubri que nicolas gage a si es como deve de escojer sus personajes todabia tiene esa forma de actuar de jo9ven que lo hizo uno de los mejores. es una pelicula muy buena si te gusta el drama coon poco de accion. siViendo esta pelicula descubri que nicolas gage a si es como deve de escojer sus personajes todabia tiene esa forma de actuar de jo9ven que lo hizo uno de los mejores. es una pelicula muy buena si te gusta el drama coon poco de accion. si hay partes donde jhablan mucho pero no es aburrida te mantiene entretenido. Expand
1 of 3 users found this helpful12
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9
ismacinefiloApr 25, 2014
Joe is a film that breaks the heart, awesome performances, Nicolas Cage was so good at the movie and the new boy, Tye Sheridan is a promess to hollywood. It's a little slowly but exhilarating. I love it.
1 of 3 users found this helpful12
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1
gregoryfern85Oct 21, 2015
Nic Cage is a movie guy, the guy is Con Air, how much more wrong side of the tracks can you get? This movie is about a quarter of that dosage. I wanted Con Air, I guess I'll watch Con Air.
0 of 2 users found this helpful02
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5
netflicApr 20, 2014
This movie reminded me of "The Winter Bone" but significantly lower quality.

The movie is uneven: some scenes are better, others are worse. Some really take your attentions, others look not authentic or outright cheesy. Even though the
This movie reminded me of "The Winter Bone" but significantly lower quality.

The movie is uneven: some scenes are better, others are worse. Some really take your attentions, others look not authentic or outright cheesy.

Even though the movie is after a book (with the same name), the screenplay seems half cooked.

Nicolas Cage is still a very good actor but it is not enough to turn a mediocre movie into a good one.
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5
GolgiApparatusFeb 20, 2015
Definitely an interesting movie. It had many upsides including fantastic filming and acting. And the visuals are nice, to say the least. The plot is deep, as well as it's characters, and I don't object to it's authenticity. There are manyDefinitely an interesting movie. It had many upsides including fantastic filming and acting. And the visuals are nice, to say the least. The plot is deep, as well as it's characters, and I don't object to it's authenticity. There are many who would find this movie spectacular. It immerses it's audience in a very grounded environment, and has a sort of bleak appeal to it. But in the end, it's not really my kind of movie. Expand
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4
BroyaxJul 6, 2017
Quel gâchis, car Nicolas n'a pas trouvé un aussi bon rôle depuis nombre d'années, un rôle torturé, dépité et désabusé, un personnage qui fait penser dans une certaine mesure à sa prestation éblouissante de poivrot suicidaire dans Leaving LasQuel gâchis, car Nicolas n'a pas trouvé un aussi bon rôle depuis nombre d'années, un rôle torturé, dépité et désabusé, un personnage qui fait penser dans une certaine mesure à sa prestation éblouissante de poivrot suicidaire dans Leaving Las Vegas.

Nicolas est donc excellent, on retrouve là l'acteur à son sommet mais hélas, le réalisateur ici est un parfait abruti, du genre à se regarder le nombril pendant des heures, à végéter dans le marasme de son film social qui s'étale lentement, très lentement comme une limace étale sa bave prétentieuse, inutile et contente d'elle.

Bien sûr, il faut bien poser l'ambiance délétère de ce trou perdu à la cambrousse où les misérables côtoient d'autres déchets et minables, consanguins alcoolos et dégénérés mais il faut aussi se sortir les doigts du fion de temps en temps au lieu de se répandre dans le contemplatif très con qui se complaît qui plus est dans la répétition.

Après tout, il s'agit d'une bonne histoire, le gamin et son cloporte de père, Nicolas et sa rage rentrée, aigri à souhait... mais en faire une litanie de deux plombes, c'est un gâchis épouvantable. Pauvre Joe, il n'a pas mérité ça.
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7
DawdlingPoetNov 25, 2021
This is a drama film which features themes including beating, alcoholism and father to son relationships. Joe is shown to be a fairly well regarded handyman type character from reasonably early on in the film. Some of the other characters areThis is a drama film which features themes including beating, alcoholism and father to son relationships. Joe is shown to be a fairly well regarded handyman type character from reasonably early on in the film. Some of the other characters are shown to be blaggers and the general tone of the film, in terms of setting and peoples circumstances for the most part, is somewhat bleak and gritty. It is quite a dark film in general, so don't be expecting an easy and joyful watch but hopefully you wouldn't expect that anyway.

The setting is very much deep south America - with characters having distinctive southern 'drawl' type dialects. I felt the plot pace was a little unnecessarily slow, with me wondering when things may speed up a bit or otherwise the direction become a bit clearer but it does do that after a while. I felt it did well at putting across a quite unsettling, tense and eery atmosphere - I felt that some of the characters seemed quite volatile and I was unsure when they may potentially snap. It seemed like one of those films in which the viewer tries to get under the various characters skins, wondering what peoples backgrounds may be and so on. It also seemed a bit of a parable of adolescence, to an extent. I think it'd be fair to say that there's a degree of reliance and expectation from both of the main characters towards the other - that is, Joe and Gary. There is a definite palpable silence present at times, one which you can almost imagine cutting with a knife, as the saying goes.

Cast wise, Nicholas Cage plays the titular character, Joe. This, in my opinion of course, is one of his better more recent roles - he's had a series of films which have flopped in terms of takings I believe and in terms of general reaction by critics and audiences but I felt he was a good pick to play the somewhat rag-tag local handyman type guy. He seems quite apathetic towards others and yet content in himself, to be living a bedraggled existence. Meanwhile, Tye Sheridan plays Gary - I thought he played his role very well too. He is shown to be quite strongly defiant and keen to do whats necessary to help improve himself. At times he can seem quite naive and juvenile but not all the time. Other cast members include Ronnie Gene Blevins as Willie-Russell and Adriene Mishler as Connie.

Content wise, the film contains sex scenes and some sex references, plus some moderate violence, mostly quite bloody. There is an instance of dog fighting, with blood shown on one of them later. There is strong language and various characters are shown drinking alcohol, with Gary's dad being an alcoholic. The film has been given a 15 rating due to this.

I felt it featured a reasonably good use of background or incidental music, which helped add to the tension and eeriness present in some of the scenes. It didn't interfere with following the main dialogue, as some people have (I believed) complained about being the case on TV shows and the like nowadays - I think some new-ish TVs have issues with distinguishing different sound levels but I mostly liked how the background music added to the unsettling sense and tension present at various points in the film.

This is a rather sobering watch - I found myself trying to analyse what exactly we're meant, as viewers, to take away from it. I did feel sorry for Gary, being lumbered with his unpleasant alcoholic father and on ocassion for Joe but not to the same extent but I can't say I felt entirely at the edge of my seat type worried about what may or may not happen to them. It has quite a rural setting, its bleak and gritty in terms of themes and the like, not a 'nice little Hollywood type of a father and son pair up and rule the world' sort of a film, if you know what I mean but its not gritty in terms of it being urban. Still, thats probably beside the point. I thought the characters were just about sufficiently interesting and it was quite tense and, of course, gritty but it could probably have been a bit better, if the script were tweaked a bit as I couldn't help but feel like it seemed to lose its direction. Having said that, I watched it through to the end and I didn't feel entirely prone to giving up and switching to a TV channel, so its not great but its not awful either.

As I say, this is a reasonably watchable film - its got a decent performance from Cage (which can be hard to come by these days - The Wicker Man remake anyone? ugh!) and I thought it was tense and gritty, although it is very much grim in tone and it does suffer from seeming a little directionless at times. I thought it made good use of background music but it could probably have been better if the script were adjusted a bit. I'm not sure I'd especially recommend it, although if it sounds of interest to you and its shown on TV then its probably worth a watch but if it'd cost much money to see, I imagine there are probably better alternatives around.
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8
DogeGamer2015Jan 10, 2021
La actuación de Nicolas Cage es perfecta para acompañar el tono depresivo de la película.
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9
Gamzguy17Aug 21, 2021
A ruthless Southern tale told with exquisite direction by Green, coupled with perhaps Cage's best performance, "Joe" is never afraid to be explicit and smartly uses its brutality to cleanse the filth of its character development and tell anA ruthless Southern tale told with exquisite direction by Green, coupled with perhaps Cage's best performance, "Joe" is never afraid to be explicit and smartly uses its brutality to cleanse the filth of its character development and tell an emotional story from beginning to end. Expand
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10
GamesbabyJun 12, 2023
Joe who? Joe mama Joe mama Joe mama Joe mama Joe mama Joe mama Joe mama Joe mama Joe mama Joe mama Joe mama Joe mama Joe mama Joe mama Joe mama Joe mama Joe mama Joe mama Joe mama Joe mama Joe mama Joe mama Joe mama Joe mama Joe mama Joe mamaJoe who? Joe mama Joe mama Joe mama Joe mama Joe mama Joe mama Joe mama Joe mama Joe mama Joe mama Joe mama Joe mama Joe mama Joe mama Joe mama Joe mama Joe mama Joe mama Joe mama Joe mama Joe mama Joe mama Joe mama Joe mama Joe mama Joe mama Joe mama Joe mama Joe mama Joe mama Joe mama Joe mama Expand
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