Joe (6/17/2014)

Rated R for violence, disturbing material, language and some strong sexual content.

Starring Nicolas Cage and Tye Sheridan

Directed by David Gordon Green (The Sitter and Pineapple Express)

This film is dark and depressing but very artistic.

A gripping mix of friendship, violence and redemption erupts in the contemporary South in this adaptation of Larry Brown’s novel, celebrated at once for its grit and its deeply moving core. Directed by David Gordon Green, the film brings Academy Award® winner Nicolas Cage back to his indie roots in the title role as the hard-living, hot-tempered, ex-con Joe Ransom, who is just trying to dodge his instincts for trouble – until he meets a hard-luck kid played by Tye Sheridan who awakens in him a fierce and tender-hearted protector.

Sometimes small budgets equal low quality. But that is not the case here. In fact, this may be the official return of Nicolas Cage. For the last few years, Cage has starred in one dumb, rant-for-hire project after another. But his performance in Joe made me forget all those bad choices.

Director David Gordon Green has made Joe in a way that even the most serious indie film fan can appreciate. He even recruited a homeless guy he found in a bus station, Gary Poulter, to play the abusive dad. In fact, shortly after filming wrapped, Poulter died during a night of heavy drinking. It’s ironic that his scenes with Cage and Sheridan would become the heartbeat of a film about a rescue.

So why the low score?

This film deals with some very dark and disturbing issues – ones that will cause the mainstream movie goers a certain degree of discomfort. Joe isn’t for everyone and definitely not for teenagers.

There is a part of me that wishes the film was “cleaner.” On the other hand, it would have lost its punch…and trust me, this one hits hard.

Because the movie is so dark and depressing, I can only say it’s worth watching if “it’s free”…and you are prepared for a rough ride.

SHOULD KIDS SEE IT?
There are several sex scenes that are fairly graphic as well as several sexual references and sexual conversations.

There is also quite a bit of violence in the film including a man getting shot in the shoulder and a teen boy beating up an older man. We also see a man beating a drunk man to death with a metal pipe, it is very graphic and disturbing.

There are about 50 F-words and a lot of other profanities.

CONVERSATION STARTER:

1. How would you describe the relationship between Joe and Gary?


2. What are some ways Joe cares for Gary?


3. Read James 1:27
   
   Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress and refusing to let the world corrupt you.
   
   How can you care for the orphans and widows in your neighborhood?


4. How can your youth group help you care for orphans and widows in your neighborhood?