Joe

Lionsgate | Release Date: April 11, 2014
7.2
USER SCORE
Generally favorable reviews based on 134 Ratings
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100
Mixed:
19
Negative:
15
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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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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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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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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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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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0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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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
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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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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0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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