Joe (2013) | Rotten Tomatoes (original) (raw)

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Critics Consensus

Rich in atmosphere and anchored by a powerful performance from Nicolas Cage, Joe is a satisfying return to form for its star -- as well as director David Gordon Green.

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Jason Bailey Flavorwire The way director David Gordon Green uses Cage, and the way the actor modulates the performance, seems a quiet commentary on who he's become onscreen, and how to draw upon it. Jun 18, 2016 Full Review Mark Kermode Observer (UK) Generally as raw as the steaks that Cage manfully cuts from the carcass of an impaled deer, the high whiff of which seeps through every frame of the film. Rated: 3/5 Jul 27, 2014 Full Review Ryan Gilbey Sight & Sound There is a pleasing synchronicity between Joe's attempts to stem his temper and the effort made by Cage to keep his own actorly excesses in check. Jul 25, 2014 Full Review Keith Garlington Keith & the Movies It is southern gothic to the core with an emphasis on the unpleasant and disturbing. It’s not a movie for the faint of heart. But it is an exciting return of sorts for Nicholas Cage... Rated: 4/5 Aug 22, 2022 Full Review Brian Eggert Deep Focus Review The film's unforgiving, often grating portrayal of Southern waste is redeemed by thoughtful performances from Nicolas Cage and his younger costar Tye Sheridan. Rated: 3/4 Aug 15, 2022 Full Review Kip Mooney College Movie Review A story with some power, humor and heart. Rated: B Sep 9, 2021 Full Review Read all reviews

Ernest B Wife: what are you watching? Me: I dunno. Neurotypical Slingblade? Rated 4 out of 5 stars 10/30/24 Full Review Sarah C Nicolas Cage will always shine in quieter character pieces. Make sure to watch it a second time with the director's commentary. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 09/08/24 Full Review edward s I've always liked Nicolas Cage. He's always given his heart and soul with his performances. I thoroughly enjoyed Joe with its realistic portrayal of people just trying to get by day by day. Ty Sheridan also held his own, trapped between accepting his lot in life or making a stand to help his family. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 08/01/24 Full Review Patrick M Very slow. Not as exciting as normal Nicholas Cage movies. Fair message. Took way to long to get there. Rated 2 out of 5 stars 03/02/24 Full Review jwcdood JOE is a hard and bitter movie about genuinely good hearts enduring and attempting to deal with the impossible horror of the long term effects of heart numbing, mind breaking poverty. What's to be expected in this flick is "extremely dark, extremely graphic and hard to watch" (but needs to be). JOE is certainly not for the idealistic who don't personally comprehend the genuine reality of alcohol addiction; the opening scene itself — blatantly — makes that specific point. With excellent casting, production and direction, Nicholas Cage's, Tye Sheridan's and Gary Pouter's performances are the stuff that deliberately "brutal reality" story telling and serious acting and direction are made of in a sincere attempt to get the point across. The sobering, cesspool stench of the reality it portrays very effectively remains long after its final scene and the credits roll. This is entertainment fare is [most definitely] NOT FOR THE "DAINTIFIED" FAINT OF HEART. Rated 4 out of 5 stars 11/26/23 Full Review Alec B For a thriller about broken people on the very fringe of society, the plot is just a little too neat and tidy (One character that arrives about twenty minutes into film might as well be wearing a t-shirt that reads "antagonist") but when David Gordon Green shifts the focus away from the plot and just lets these characters exist in their environment, the film becomes mesmerizing for stretches. Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 11/10/23 Full Review Read all reviews

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Joe: Official Clip - Rescuing Dorothy Joe: Official Clip - Rescuing Dorothy 2:02 Joe: Official Clip - Hello Joe Joe: Official Clip - Hello Joe 1:39 Joe: Official Clip - Teach You About Break Dancin' Joe: Official Clip - Teach You About Break Dancin' 2:20 Joe: Official Clip - Get the Hell Away From Me Joe: Official Clip - Get the Hell Away From Me 2:02 Joe: Official Clip - Restraint Keeps Me Alive Joe: Official Clip - Restraint Keeps Me Alive 2:58 Joe: Official Clip - Looking for Work Joe: Official Clip - Looking for Work 3:00 View more videos

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Synopsis The rough-hewn boss (Nicolas Cage) of a lumber crew courts trouble when he steps in to protect the youngest member (Tye Sheridan) of his team from an abusive father.

Director

David Gordon Green

Producer

Lisa Muskat, David Gordon Green, Christopher Woodrow, Derrick Tseng

Screenwriter

Gary Hawkins

Distributor

Roadside Attractions

Production Co

Worldview Entertainment

Rating

R (Language|Disturbing Material|Some Strong Sexual Content|Violence)

Genre

Drama

Original Language

English

Release Date (Theaters)

Apr 11, 2014, Limited

Release Date (Streaming)

Feb 16, 2016

Box Office (Gross USA)

$371.9K

Runtime

1h 57m

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