Review of Joe the King (1999) by Blanky A — 07 Oct 2009

Joe the King is not alone in this crowded genre, and there's nothing about the film that raises it above the level of numerous TV movies of the week or forgettable theatrical releases. For every scene that works (such as Joe's awkward flirtation with an older girl at a roller skating rink), there are two that don't (like Bob's out-of-character "bonding" with his son or Mike's wanting to sleep in a closet to avoid his brother).

And, especially when compared to something powerful and persuasive, Joe the King looks flaccid.