Read Positive User Reviews for Killer Joe

9

amboyNov 16, 2012

This is real film noir--not the private eye low key lighting kind but a real dip in the nasty stew of human greed and concupiscence. Hence, not for everyone. The actors are wonderful at revealing how naivete can turn amoral and good mannersThis is real film noir--not the private eye low key lighting kind but a real dip in the nasty stew of human greed and concupiscence. Hence, not for everyone. The actors are wonderful at revealing how naivete can turn amoral and good manners mask perversity and violence--and all regarded as part of the human comedy.. The cast is pitch perfect. A special cheer for McConaughey and for Gina Gershon and Emile Hirsch.… Expand

4 of 7 users found this helpful43

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8

amartishJan 2, 2013

I am a 23-year-old man and this movie is going to give me nightmares. I don't think I've ever seen a more disturbing movie. The only character that's actually likeable in the entire film is "Ansel". I can't think of anything else to sayI am a 23-year-old man and this movie is going to give me nightmares. I don't think I've ever seen a more disturbing movie. The only character that's actually likeable in the entire film is "Ansel". I can't think of anything else to say except this movie is both good and extremely unsettling.… Expand

1 of 2 users found this helpful11

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8

MarcDoyleAug 9, 2012

It's by far the best B-movie, film noir, grindhouse-style film I've seen in a long time. It doesn't take itself too seriously, and it's funny as hell. McConaughey is terrific - it's almost an extension of his role on Magic Mike - anIt's by far the best B-movie, film noir, grindhouse-style film I've seen in a long time. It doesn't take itself too seriously, and it's funny as hell. McConaughey is terrific - it's almost an extension of his role on Magic Mike - an egotistical control freak. But Thomas Haden Church steals the show with his deadpan style of humor. Great fun.… Expand

1 of 3 users found this helpful12

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7

BKMFeb 25, 2013

Perhaps the greatest quality of Killer Joe is that it never pretends to be anything more than a wickedly deranged and entertaining piece of trash. Freed from the obligation to make any sort of artistic statement, Friedkin delivers the goodsPerhaps the greatest quality of Killer Joe is that it never pretends to be anything more than a wickedly deranged and entertaining piece of trash. Freed from the obligation to make any sort of artistic statement, Friedkin delivers the goods and coaxes stellar performances from his cast; particularly McConaughey and Church. It's definitely not for everyone, but it never tries to be.… Expand

1 of 3 users found this helpful12

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9

NotoriousJul 31, 2012

Matthew McConaughey completely steals the show in Killer Joe, where he plays a detective who also works as a hired gun. McConaughey has moved himself away from the typical "pretty boy" roles he usually takes on and instead portrays a cold,Matthew McConaughey completely steals the show in Killer Joe, where he plays a detective who also works as a hired gun. McConaughey has moved himself away from the typical "pretty boy" roles he usually takes on and instead portrays a cold, ruthless killer with a contrasting strange taste for fine etiquette. Definitely the performance of the year thus far.… Expand

1 of 3 users found this helpful12

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9

BrianMcCriticMar 11, 2013

This film shows everyone how good Matthew McConaughey is when he's in the right role. Sure there are a few disturbing things in this film, but I kind of dug it anyway.

1 of 5 users found this helpful14

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9

NeverLiftSep 8, 2012

If you are turned off by violence realistically portrayed (no computer-generated antics here), stay away. None of it is gratuitous, all are essential -- and it is strong stuff. The movie builds in intensity relentlessly, all the wayIf you are turned off by violence realistically portrayed (no computer-generated antics here), stay away. None of it is gratuitous, all are essential -- and it is strong stuff. The movie builds in intensity relentlessly, all the way through, maintaining a reality within its milieu, and left us almost breathless as the final encounter builds and builds. Every character is believable while the story line goes deeper and deeper into their desperation, arrogance, cowardice, greed, love, infidelity, stupidity, and sadistic domination. "Love Story" it ain't. But it is a gem of what it set out to be.… Expand

0 of 4 users found this helpful04

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8

Andys_ReviewsAug 11, 2013

Because it’s based on a play the action does all seem to occur in one place; predominantly the Smith family trailer. I didn’t find this too distracting but I did find it a little claustrophobic at times. All of the performances were trulyBecause it’s based on a play the action does all seem to occur in one place; predominantly the Smith family trailer. I didn’t find this too distracting but I did find it a little claustrophobic at times. All of the performances were truly excellent but I have to say the critics were right; Matthew McConaughey really does stand out in this one. There are some really violent scenes in this one so I definitely wouldn’t recommend it for younger viewers; the 18 Certificate is definitely more than a guideline here. I really liked the underlying dark humour throughout; it gave the narrative a little more interest. Over all, an interesting watch with some nice touches; it doesn’t have any particularly stunning effects but it’s a well crafted character-driven piece. Well worth a look if you get the chance.

SteelMonster’s verdict: RECOMMENDED

My score: 7.7/10.… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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8

TheQuietGamerJun 8, 2013

I'm surprised at how much I enjoyed this movie considering how dark, brutal, and sometimes down-right disgusting it can be. More impressive is how it can make you laugh. It's a look at the darker, greedier side of people and how simpleI'm surprised at how much I enjoyed this movie considering how dark, brutal, and sometimes down-right disgusting it can be. More impressive is how it can make you laugh. It's a look at the darker, greedier side of people and how simple ignorance can cost us greatly. The cast is fantastic, Matthew McConaughey, Juno Temple, and Thomas Haden Church give the best performances I've seen from them yet, and let's be honest Emile Hirsch was born to give fantastic performances like this one. It's a great movie, the only complaint I have is that the ending was kind of a cliff hanger. It's perfectly acceptable, but it really felt like there should have been a few more minutes before the credits rolled. In the end it's a great and graphic movie that you should check out. Just be sure you can handle brutal movies, or this one will mess you up.… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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8

SpangleAug 1, 2014

Vile, twisted, disgusting, disturbing, perverted, over the top, and violent, Killer Joe is actually a really good film. Now, it is entirely twisted, but the pitch black comedic moments lighten things up a bit. The sexual scenes are also aVile, twisted, disgusting, disturbing, perverted, over the top, and violent, Killer Joe is actually a really good film. Now, it is entirely twisted, but the pitch black comedic moments lighten things up a bit. The sexual scenes are also a little much for my taste and at times this one was basically pornographic. However, Matthew McConaughey is so good in this one it hurts. Joe Cooper, his character, is easily one of the best villains I have seen in a long time, maybe the best I have seen since Hannibal Lecter. Twisted, sadistic, and entirely crazy, McConaughey's Cooper commands the screen and incites terror the first time you see him and even more so as you see just how insane and sadistic he truly is. Nobody is really safe from his wrath, not even the viewer, as by the end, it feels like he has even taken a piece of you. This one is violent and a tough watch, so it is not for everybody without question, but if this one does not leave you speechless at the end, I do not know what will. Very well made film here with a phenomenal, Oscar worthy turn from Matthew McConaughey.… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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10

pauloh110Aug 21, 2012

Killer Joe is definitely an underrated gem for 2012. given an NC-17 will probably ruin any hopes of a good theatrical run but this film is on the fast track to be a cult classic. The direction that William Friedkin drives this film is slowKiller Joe is definitely an underrated gem for 2012. given an NC-17 will probably ruin any hopes of a good theatrical run but this film is on the fast track to be a cult classic. The direction that William Friedkin drives this film is slow and dirty. The Gallows Humor found in this film is hilarious and the violence is electrifying. Saying Killer Joe is just a regular noir film is a downright insult to the cast and crew.… Expand

0 of 3 users found this helpful03

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10

JohnrieberDec 22, 2012

This is the work of a seasoned, masterful Director leading a cast through a " black as coal" script - and it works perfectly. Matthew McConaughey leads a terrific cast, all of whom commit to everything in the script. Kudos to the entire castThis is the work of a seasoned, masterful Director leading a cast through a " black as coal" script - and it works perfectly. Matthew McConaughey leads a terrific cast, all of whom commit to everything in the script. Kudos to the entire cast for taking this risk. This is a modern day film noir classic, just be prepared for a film that doesn't flinch.… Expand

0 of 3 users found this helpful03

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8

ariel84Mar 20, 2014

this film marked the beginning of the McConaissance and with good reason: mcconaughey is perfection. smartest guy in the room, charming, and cold. brilliant and gutsy career choice. thomas haden church is also perfection. two great texasthis film marked the beginning of the McConaissance and with good reason: mcconaughey is perfection. smartest guy in the room, charming, and cold. brilliant and gutsy career choice. thomas haden church is also perfection. two great texas boys. i'm not a grindhouse fan, but the black humor. gorgeous cinematography, and friedkin's direction made this B-movie modern noir. had to watch some with one eye closed, but, hey, i had been warned. to think a director in his mid-70s made this film and wouldn't compromise makes me admire william friedkin all the more.… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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9

BobbyLipMar 20, 2013

Killer Joe is Chiller Joe. This is the last word in dysfunctional families. The movie is by turns comic and horrifying, with no wrong notes struck and a happy ending to end all happy endings. We really do need to let Texas secede if they care to.

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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7

BadAidsApr 28, 2014

An uncompromising film that allows Friedkin to showcase all the tricks he has acquired throughout his extensive career. With clever casting lead by the flawless McConaughey, Killer Joe is a dark and twisted story that draws the viewer intoAn uncompromising film that allows Friedkin to showcase all the tricks he has acquired throughout his extensive career. With clever casting lead by the flawless McConaughey, Killer Joe is a dark and twisted story that draws the viewer into the sordid truth of human morality. A film that does not try strive for artistic perfection at the expense of entertainment. A refreshing blend of experience and youth allows this film to stand out from the crowd and is certainly worth a watch. A must see for all KFC enthusiasts.… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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9

FilmVirtueMar 26, 2014

Dark, Funny, and true to It's story line, Killer Joe is a enjoyable cinematic experience for any fans of mystery movies with brutality. The only question is--- Would Colonel Sanders be proud?

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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10

Eilidh2Sep 30, 2014

A comedy as black as Beelzebub's soul. Brutality, sexual violence - not a film for the faint of heart or easily shocked. William Friedkin shows he hasn't mellowed in old age. Matthew McConaughey gives a brilliant performance as a cop whoA comedy as black as Beelzebub's soul. Brutality, sexual violence - not a film for the faint of heart or easily shocked. William Friedkin shows he hasn't mellowed in old age. Matthew McConaughey gives a brilliant performance as a cop who moonlights as a hit man and exploits with glee a family whose stupidity is matched only by their greed. This is Tennessee Williams on steroids.… Expand

0 of 2 users found this helpful02

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8

AWESOM-0Mar 22, 2020

Twisted and messed up movie but it’s good and MM is awesome as a psychopath. The tension builds and is powerful.

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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8

geewahMay 3, 2021

A twisted psychological thriller who's strength lies in it's wickedly dark humour and strong performances for it's cast.
One of McConaughey's best turns.

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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8

timoneAug 22, 2018

It's Killer Joe! For most of the fans of Matthew McConaughey, this one is one of the most polarising. Whether people'll love or hate this movie, it's based on a play by Tracy Letts in 1993. The film is directed by William Friedkin who isIt's Killer Joe! For most of the fans of Matthew McConaughey, this one is one of the most polarising. Whether people'll love or hate this movie, it's based on a play by Tracy Letts in 1993. The film is directed by William Friedkin who is known for directing The French Connection and The Exorcist. I think Friedkin and Letts teamed up together to make a film which is based on a play before they did Killer Joe is Bug. Killer Joe had some talented cast such as well known Matthew McConaughey, Emile Hirsch, Juno Temple, Gina Gershon and Thomas Haden Church. This film is brutal in many area's that is to say the NC-17 rating says it all. I don't know if it's the first time watching an NC-17 rated film because if I did then it'll be surprising. I mean, wow, like wow! Well, we all know the chicken leg scene is incredibly inappropriately shocking, disturbing and really uncomfortable to watch but we don't care. Even watching this scene by yourself maybe a struggle. Killer Joe is a violent and intense twisted dark comedy is a faithful adaptation to a Tracy Letts' play. However I don't see the purpose of it being a comedy maybe because I couldn't understand the comedy in this or for the fact that the violence is humorous. What's the joke? However I do understand that it's kinda dark in some area's. Yeah, I get that. And I understand what I said that the chicken leg scene is disturbing in the way that it's humorous. Yeah, it's kind of darkly comical in the sense. The ending is intense and violent you'll be clapping with joy when the play finishes. I know I did. If you haven't seen Killer Joe then you're missing the brilliant performances from Matthew McConaughey and the rest of the cast. This is a fantastic film and you'll never be eating KFC the same way again. This movie will definitely put your mum to tears, not in a good way.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

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