Review of Killer Joe (2012) by Greg D — 31 Jan 2013

I love creepy, dark films that confuse the viewer. This did not disappoint. I also love anything with controversy or NC-17 rating, just because I have a need to know "what the fuss is about." The darkness of Killer Joe felt like a Coen brother movie (No Country for Old Men).

The major exception would be that the twist to this movie was too easy to pick up on. Yes, there was some graphic nudity and violence, but I really didn't find it excessive. I'm a little curious why the NC-17 rating.

Anyway, I really liked this movie. Strange as this sounds, it was fun to watch. As previously mentioned, I adore Juno Temple and she stole the show. She made the movie. I also like Emile Hirsch (Lords of Dogtown is a fav) and seeing him in this role (basically as a trashy loser) was new for me.

He is so cute and adorable (he is super short, like 5'5) that it took some adjusting. He nailed it. Gina Gershon was great as well, perfect cast. Hayden Church may have had the hardest (yet funniest) role as the clueless/simple father.

MM is always great, but this was one of his best performances. He is so awful, yet so smooth and charming and funny. The ending was abrupt, but I expected that. Overall, this movie was entertaining and well performed, but basically what I expected it to be.