Nicolas Cage, though he's had some sizable ups and downs in his career, is one of the strongest dramatic actors living today. Mostly known for his breakthrough performances in the 90's like in "Leaving Las Vegas" and "Face/Off" he always seems to have an undeniable connection with every role he takes on, and that's one of the many reasons why I think so highly of him. He may take a film on just for the paycheck every now and then but people have to remember that acting is a job, and he is one of the best at balancing passion projects with his need to pay the bills. Less concerned with the latter, he most recently joined up with director David Gordon Green to give us the authentic new drama "Joe".
Set in the backwoods of Mississippi, it tells the story of our title character (Cage), the kind- hearted supervisor of a work crew of tree poisoners who are contaminating old ones to make room for the new. When a fifteen year old drifter named Gary stumbles upon them (played by "Mud" star Tye Sheridan) and promptly asks for work, it isn't a surprise that Joe agrees. With Gary dealing with an abusive father, we see Joe try to steer him on the right path, and simultaneously become a role model that Gary desperately needs.
With a slow-building, yet touching, relationship at the center, the movie doesn't miss a beat. It deals with themes of alcoholism and abuse but never feels heavy-handed, treating each character in its genuine form rather than hiding their idiosyncrasies. Rated R for violence and language, "Joe" is a dynamite drama that I would highly recommend. It is now playing in select theaters and available On Demand.
Set in the backwoods of Mississippi, it tells the story of our title character (Cage), the kind- hearted supervisor of a work crew of tree poisoners who are contaminating old ones to make room for the new. When a fifteen year old drifter named Gary stumbles upon them (played by "Mud" star Tye Sheridan) and promptly asks for work, it isn't a surprise that Joe agrees. With Gary dealing with an abusive father, we see Joe try to steer him on the right path, and simultaneously become a role model that Gary desperately needs.
With a slow-building, yet touching, relationship at the center, the movie doesn't miss a beat. It deals with themes of alcoholism and abuse but never feels heavy-handed, treating each character in its genuine form rather than hiding their idiosyncrasies. Rated R for violence and language, "Joe" is a dynamite drama that I would highly recommend. It is now playing in select theaters and available On Demand.