Joe: 2013

I am very glad that David Gordon Green has found a film formula that he can proudly call his own. I think this particular style began with Prince Avalanche released earlier this year. At first glance it looks to be very independent, however, the simplicity of the story and atmosphere merely act as an outer wall for deeper, more emotional film making. And this works to Joe's advantage; taking a simple idea and a small-town sort of an atmosphere, and expanding it to reveal it's fantastic (albeit deep-seeded) secrets. 
   
Joe is about the arguable main character, Joe (Nicholas Cage) an ex-con, attempting to start his life over by running  his own "tree poisoning" business. However, the plot gives way to another story about a boy named Gary (played by Tye Sheridan) a child of abuse, who despite the odds, tries to make a living working for Joe. These two stories compliment each other with their own share of development and attention, and it's not too clear as to which of the main stories we should be focusing on. But that's not a bad thing. Each character feels just as interesting as the other, regardless of their situations, and this segways gracefully into a greater connection between Joe and Gary. 

Joe takes it's time with development, and it really seems as though the sub-plot of Joe's shadowy criminality is passed over for a more heart-ached father/son story. I did like the development of Joe the most, and even though this had something to do with the writing and direction, I could clearly see that the genius behind Cage's character, was Cage himself. All I can say is that I have almost never seen this side of Nick Cage before. He is simply wonderful, in execution, in delivery, and he almost wins me over (and I can see that he's trying) but the scenes where he gets angry could use a little work. Or maybe they don't and I just can't take him seriously when he gets angry anymore. However, Cage has come a loooonnnnnggg way in terms of flipping out on film. Trust me. 

David Gordon Green's characterizations are best parts of Joe and while the kind of film that it is at the center is good in its own right, it's the character's that shine through. Everyone is very real and this may not fair well against the parts of the film that play like an action flick, the final product holds up well. Joe fall in between emotionally realistic, and so close to camp enjoyment (even though it lies closer to the former). Every actor is wonderful, and Nick Cage has certainly turned a new leaf in terms of his acting career. For Joe's sake, I hope it works out. 

7.3/10