Review of Joe (2014) by Richard S — 05 Sep 2016

If you wait long enough Nicholas Cage will release a decent film again! For every 20 naff films he throws out, he will release something that reminds you he can be an awesome actor. This isn't over the top, complete maniac Cage, this is quite a restrained performance and it fits well with the role.

Having read the book I can also say he is a good fit for the character. It's a slow burning film with a sense of foreboding throughout. Joe is someone who knows the prison system well because of his temper getting him into trouble in the past but now he is trying to earn a decent living and do something good with his life.

Then a young boy comes into his life bringing his own trouble to Joe's doorstep and it's from here Joe struggles to retain his former self as he struggles to protect his new friend from his violent father.

Tye Sheridan has great onscreen chemistry with Cage and is great in the role of tough yet vulnerable Gary who is just looking for a decent father.