Walkaway Joe

I'm glad I didn't listen to the negative reviews about this movie. I recommend watching for yourself. Julian Feder, who plays the boy the movie centers around, does a good job in his role. That's for viewers who have never really seen bad acting. The movie flowed well and the storyline was well developed. The ending was satisfying to me because it mirrored how life can truly be. It was not predictable, unless of course you sit and try to think of every possible scenerio. Feder plays well alongside seasoned actor, David Strathairn, who carries the secondary plot, as well as Jeffrey Dean Morgan, who plays his dad.

With the two lead actors and the premise of this film, it could have been so much more. Unfortunately the film mirrors the acting of the central character portrayed by Julian Feder. Here is a meaty role with a meaningful journey, but the film falls flat, as does Feder's performance, or should we say lack thereof. Young man's search for father, part road trip, part billiards competition. We can't pull for the son because he takes us no where, emotionally. We really can't cheer for him in the pool competition either, because the characterization is so distant and vapid. The elements are all present, but neither the performance by the young protagonist (who does NOT look 14 y.o.) or the direction, allow us to get there. Too bad, but not memorable in the least.

Somebody mentioned that they didn't understand why all the good reviews and that they gave up halfway through. Well chances are the good reviews came from people who stuck it out till the end. Good pool movie. I always like it when you can tell the actors are really shooting pool and they don't cut away from the actor to the shot, making you think that somebody other than the actor actually made the shot. You can tell that the actors are either decent pool players or they took the time to practice for the film.

This is a nice, heartfelt and engaging drama. I enjoyed it.

Many reviews of this film discuss the unfulfilled potential of a good premise, the lackluster acting by some of the players, the uneven direction, etc., etc., etc. You know, I can't argue with any of that. But here's the thing: It is so hard, these days, to find a movie that leaves you with much of anything in the way of good feelings that run deeper than a shallow and momentary, fleeting high at best. Most don't even do that; it's not the intention of the filmmakers to make you happy, but rather to do something else. But here we have a film that, while rough and not up to par in some ways, accomplishes one very worthwhile thing. It shows us what it's like to struggle and fail as a parent or just as a person, and it shows us what it's like to keep trying anyway. How many modern films present examples of people who mess up in real life challenges, and yet don't make excuses or blame others, but rather take responsibility for their actions, their failings, everything, and keep giving it another try. This is what being a "good" person is about, not perfection, but someone who cares, who tries, and doesn't quit. And Bravo to the creators of Walkaway Joe for attempting to present that for people to see.