declan-murphy-96194 This is easily the sickest, most disgusting piece of excrement that I have ever seen in my 65 years. I am not squeamish, but this film shamelessly exploited gratuitous violence and sleaziness and truly had no "redeeming social value". All of the director, producer and actors should be ashamed of having participated in this flaming abortion waste of time. This film showcased the worst in human nature and had no lessons for anyone except the hopelessly depraved. I need at least three showers to wash this filth off of me.

Leofwine_draca JOE is a slow-burning drama/thriller about the unlikely relationship between a former convict going straight and a teenage boy from a troubled family. The former employs the latter in his forest clearing operation and the film subsequently charts their trials and tribulations in a realistic, downbeat world.Those expecting another vehicle for a slumming-it Nicolas Cage will be pleasantly surprised by the actor here as he gives his best and most authentic performance in ages. He's well matched by the youthful Tye Sheridan, who will surely go on to greatness following his authentic and sympathetic performance here. The film has much in common with the likes of THE PLACE BEYOND THE PINES and MUD in depicting gritty realism and harsh but fair characterisation, and it's far better than the latter picture for example.The story keeps you watching and throws in some occasional unexpected and graphic violence to keep you on your feet. Things build to an effective climax but there are some great scenes paced throughout, like the bit where Cage is chased by the cops and confronts them. Add in some really nasty supporting characters and a memorably kooky turn from real-life homeless actor Gary Poulter, and you have a thoroughly interesting little movie.

bowmanblue Nicholas Cage. Once a bankable star, has found himself falling on the wrong side of some filmic choices of late. Or, to put it another way, he's made some right turkeys recently. However, I'm pleased to say that 'Joe' isn't one of them. Okay, it's not great, but it's better than most of his stuff.Unsurprisingly, Cage plays the titular 'Joe' – the leader of a lumbering crew in America. He's doing his best to make an honest buck, but things don't always go his way. There are plenty of people who seem to want to either bust his skull in over debts, or just shoot him dead. And, if that wasn't enough to be getting on with, he hires a young lad with an alcoholic father – two people who complicate his life yet further.I guess the first thing you need to know if you're contemplating watching Joe is that it is a drama. A straight drama through and through. There's no action, adventure or even light comic relief. It's a pretty bleak affair. You'll need to be in the mood for something very 'character-driven' to appreciate this. But Cage holds it together and we see shades of the reason he was so bankable once upon a time. It's his baby, but credit has to go to the young lad who plays his new crewmember.It's a long film, clocking in at nearly two hours, so you really need to be in the mood for something this 'no thrills.' I would say it was 'fun,' only it wasn't. But then it's not supposed to be. It's supposed to be a dark and depressing drama. And for that it succeeds. You just need to make sure you're in the mood for something like this. 'The Rock' it is not.

g-bodyl From what I have been hearing, Joe is a return to form by Nic Cage. I haven't seen many of his recent movies outside of the Ghost Rider series Knowing, and Drive Angry so I am inclined to agree. This film is a fantastic, gritty thriller about a kid finding the father he never had. This film is the 2014 version of Mud, ironically both starring rising newcomer Tye Sheridan. This film is very violent and has an explosive ending, but it is also a realistic portrayal of relationships. Also I must add a beware note to animal lovers because there is a good amount of "abuse" in this drama. David Gordon Green's film is about an ex-con named Joe who runs a company regarding the poisoning of trees. When he meets a 15-year-old kid named Gary, he finds a chance for redemption when he has a chance to save him from his abusive father. This is definitely Nicolas Cage's best film in years. He returns to form and has no crazy haircut or wild personality to speak of this time around. Tye Sheridan is one of the best newcomers these days and just like he did in Mud, he does a fine job portraying a troubled Southern kid. Overall, Joe is a very good film and finally a film from the 2010's worth crediting Nic Cage for. Granted, I have not seen those films to date but I don't hear the greatest things. This film is a realistic, gritty drama about relationships and trying to make life right. The director, Green certainly has a flair for making indie films that impact our everyday lives. Another fabulous film here in the vein of Mud. My Grade: A