There’s something you need to know about “Joe” before going in: Nicolas Cage is really good in this movie.  Maybe not what you’d expect from his recent performances but in “Joe” he tones down his usual overacting tendencies and gives a great reserved and understated performance as the mentor to an increasingly better Tye Sheridan.

There’s a pretty simple plot at play here where an obviously troubled loner mentors the new down-on-his-luck teen in town.  What elevates the movie to another level however is the performances.  As the leads, Sheridan and Cage quickly strike up an easy rapport and scenes between the two really flow and are let to breathe under the direction of David Gordon Green.  Outside of those two there are some supporting performances that do distract from the overall film which is somewhat disappointing because the base of this film is so strong.

As good as this movie is, it’s also somewhat of a disappointment.  Aside from a few supporting characters there are also a few scenes that were completely unnecessary and it could’ve benefitted from some trimming and tightening up.  In the end, it’s an almost great piece of Americana filmmaking.

Recommend? Definitely.