Holy Joe

I liked it. A little hokey but it went pretty fast. Liked the interaction with the kids. John Ritter was ok. I am glad I watched it.

Episcopal Father Joe Cass (John Ritter) has a shrinking congregation in California wine country. Its hard to see why, for the man gives heartfelt sermons and is extremely kind and generous to all. However, he is having problems with a rebellious teenage son, besides day to day troubles for his two daughters. Thank goodness wife Annie (Meredith Baxter) is very supportive, as is a wealthy vineyard owner (Linda Purl) who asks the Father to bless her crop while making large donations to the church. The Mexican day laborers at the vineyard are not on the receiving end of her generosity but Father Joe loves them, especially a large family with a small son named Ezekiel. As a volunteer firefighter, too, Joe is always busy. One day the unthinkable happens. Ezekiel's home catches on fire, with the little boy inside while everyone else gets out safely. Sure enough, it is Father Joe who breaks protocol to save the boy, at great danger. It appears hopeless for a moment until a tall, mysterious fireman aids Joe and Zeke's escape. Tears of joy flow. But, while Joe thinks they were rescued by a fellow firefighter who just doesn't want to take credit, Ezekiel believes it was Christ, dressed as a fireman. The small lad has said he has seen Jesus before and its him. No matter what happened, Joe is famous. Now, his congregation is growing leaps and bounds, so much so that a larger church farther north would like to lure him there. But, does Joe want to leave the town he loves? What about Annie and the kids, what do they want? This great movie is certainly a far cry from Ritter's Threes Company but it is nonetheless excellent. Ritter is wonderful as the caring Father Joe and he stills gets a chance to exhibit some scenes of humor. Baxter, Purl and all of the others are very nice, too. The California scenery is most lovely and the film looks great and moves along nicely. Most importantly, this is an outstanding faith based film which would do wonders for all Christians everywhere. Miracles still happen and Christ walks among us to help when needed most. Does your church want to host a movie night as a benefit to the congregation and a means to welcome new friends? You could do no better than to feature Holy Joe.

Good movie to watch. Very realistic portrayal of the common man, family, people. I highly recommend it for anyone who is looking for some inspiration and reflection in addressing realistic common everyday problems.

The movie is addressed to all who experience pain and suffering and that by praying to God for help sometimes we get the "push" to live and lead our lives according to God's plan. Although the movie speaks of the Christian religion its message is universal: lead your life to help others. Don't be afraid to make mistakes. Love your children, your neighbor, your family. That seems the common thread. From a cinematic perspective, the fact the audience "sees" the miracle it provides the empathy for the hero of the movie.

Only the overly-cautious or scrupulous parent would object to fleeting incidences of violence and anger, a couple of "bad" words (but not the "f" or "sh" or vulgarities), and of course, the scene early on where the daughter is getting passionate with her boyfriend. I think that most people seen and heard worse on the average street. Watching this movie with such a person would ruin it for me. Demonstrates gutsy real life struggles, not just fairy tale perfection. Showing breakthroughs in relationships on many levels, problem-solving, having gutsy love and faith, this movie finally reveals its superb redeeming ending. The unique "kick" is the miracle. Yet, many miraculous things happen in the Christian world, so this particular miracle ought not to be scoffed at. I believe that, despite minor displays of hard reality and "bad" words, this is, as it says on the DVD, a heartfelt family drama that can be viewed by all ages, and, if folks bear with minor fleeting coarse elements, would be truly blessed by this movie!

I entirely agree with the comments dated 29 March 1999, both from USA, about "Holy Joe". I watched just today, by chance, this TV-movie, which has been superficially translated in Italian as "L'uomo dei miracoli" (i.e."The Miracles' Man"!). It quickly captured my disechanted attention and - scene by scene - I discovered a work of great delicacy and intimate signification. With regards, Riccardo