Joe Bell movie review 2021

MOVIE TITLE: Joe Bell

This touching drama is now available on Video On Demand on Amazon Prime, Google Play, Vudu, and other digital platforms.

RATING: R

LENGTH: 1 hour 34 minutes

IN A NUTSHELL:

This dramatic movie is based on the true story of a small town, working-class father who embarks on a solo walk across the U.S. to crusade against bullying after his son is tormented in high school for being gay. The film is directed by Reinaldo Marcus Green.

This is one of those movies that the critics absolutely hated, rating it at an embarrassingly low score of 38% on Rotten Tomatoes, while audiences really enjoy it, giving it a 77%. What did YOU think of the movie? Comment down below! I’d love to know your score!

THINGS I LIKED:

I adore Mark Wahlberg in everything he does and he does everything well: drama, comedy, action. He gives a strong, powerful performance, as expected, and is one of the producers of the film. Rumor has it that Wahlberg invited young Reid Miller to his house for breakfast just to tell him in person that he landed the role of Jadin Bell. Awww, what a nice guy.
And speaking of Reid Miller. He’s perfectly believable in this role.
Other talented cast members are Gary Sinise and Connie Britton.
Sadly, this is Larry McMurtry’s last screenplay because he died just before the release.
Cute scene about Lady Gaga’s songs.
You get to see some real video footage and images of the real people this movie is about at the end of the film. I always love that.
There’s a sucker-punch moment that I didn’t see coming. Nice job.
The story itself is heartbreaking and important.

THINGS I DIDN’T LIKE:

I thought it was interesting when the son told his dad, “It’s my life, Dad. Not yours. ” While that’s definitely true, the son’s life choices DID affect the dad’s life.
The timeline can be a bit confusing as it bounces around.
Don’t watch the trailer before you see the movie so that you don’t see any spoilers.
It’s a painful, terribly sad movie.
Some viewers complain that the movie doesn’t dive deeply enough, but it does do something to keep the conversation of acceptance and tolerance going. Its heart is definitely in the right place.

TIPS FOR PARENTS:

Profanity, crude language, including F-bombs
Two gay teens kiss
Ugly comments about gays
Bullying
Family
Parenting
You see some Drag Queens at a gay bar

THEMES:

Accepting those who are different
Homosexuality
Forgiveness
Anger management
Judging others, prejudice
Tolerance
Regret
Healing

JOE BELL, from left: Reid Miller, Mark Wahlberg, 2020. ph: Quantrell D. Colbert / © Roadside Attractions / Courtesy Everett Collection

INTERESTING LINES:

“Understanding begins at home.” – Joe Bell (Mark Wahlberg)
“It’s a horrible thing to be surrounded by people who hate you without even knowing you for something you can’t change.” – Jadin Bell (Reid Miller)