The Last Rites of Joe May

Only 8 other reviewers but everyone loved this little movie--kinda has the heart of Rocky1 and all the tragedy of Death of a Salesman (in Chicago vs NYC)--It's like I wish I didn't ever see this movie yet bec I always want the excitement you feel when you discover a gem like this--no scares, no SFX or faux artsy it's time to say Oscar BS---more people need to watch this great little movie

I was pleasantly surprised when I arbitrarily stumbled onto this movie. A talented cast tells an authentic story of the character's personal lives. Though overall a rather sad tale, it did not leave me sorrowful.

(I felt so strongly about this movie, I ventured to write my first ever review)

About 90% of this film is the main character walking down the street. He goes here and there, occasionally talking to various people in conversations that's never given as much screentime as the shots of him getting there by foot. The actual plot could have been cut down to a 15 minute short, but instead it's padded worse than the main character's leather jacket.

Maybe it's supposed to be a metaphor for the guy always being on his way to somewhere he'll never arrive. Or maybe, more probably, it's just terrible filmmaking that practically screams of student production from a director who thinks it's important to show where the protagonist is going, every foot of the way.

From the title and opening scene I was so engaged to see what lay ahead for the main character, Joe May. I also felt several strong and differing emotions and was reminded that this is how film (/art) should make you feel.

Every component that made up this film; acting, soundtrack, setting, cast, etc, seemed to merge together perfectly to make it "real". So real that at least a portion of the characters reminded me of people I've known. In addition, one or two themes really struck home and have me thinking about life a little differently today. I expect everyone will relate/connect to certain aspects of this DON'T MISS film.

"The Last Rites of Joe May" has an excellent cast, headed by Dennis Farina, and wonderful screenplay (Joe Maggio). It's well directed and has quite an emotional impact on the viewer. Joe May is a man who has aspired to be more than he ever could be and refuses to accept the reality of his age and lack of achievements. He has few, if any, personal relationships, friendships or family. His arrival in the midst of Jenny and Angelina Rapp's lives is more important than any of them realize. Watching them interact and change and grow as people is both beautiful and painful. Truly realistic and moving. I was impressed with everything, from the portrayals of even the smallest parts to the details of Chicago streets and the understated score by Lindsay Marcus (not to mention Giuseppe Verdi).