Joe Bell

This is a very well done movie with a great message about a real person that was trying to make a change in the world. If you watch it you'll experience some serious emotions and one of the parts is so well done you'll be blown away.

Going in, I had an idea how this movie would play out. A dad version of the Sigourney Weaver film Prayers For Bobby came to mind. But this was different. Joe Bell (Mark Wahlberg) certainly made his mistakes but tried his best to love and accept his son's sexuality despite the backdrop of intolerant rural Oregon. His subsequent trek across the country with his anti bullying message was a journey by foot but also an emotional and cathartic one.

I didn't know this true story and I recommend that you don't read up on it before the film. I'm glad I didn't because a couple of times the story went in a direction that was completely unexpected. One, a smart director choice. The second, a tragic reality.

Performances were strong across the board. Mark Wahlberg has come a long way as an actor and he delivers an excellent performance here. Reid Miller who plays his son Jaden was also outstanding.

Will the right people see this and be impacted by it? Probably not. Nevertheless, it's a moving story that deserves to be told.

Yes some may be surprised ... even shocked ... even more shocked than to find out what is actually going on here. I did not know of the man of the title ... I did not know of his struggle ... his pain ... his issues ... and his walk (of shame) ... actually not exactly his shame. Or not entirely his to carry ... but you'll find out if you watch the movie.

Really rich drama that tells us what society is like ... what bullying does to people ... and how individuals have to carry that weight ... or not. It is a heavy drama and a really good one. Stop bullying I'd say ... but unfortunately it is not as easy as that.

I had no idea what the movie would be about, if you like dramas and twists along the way ... I suggest you watch it without any knowledge yourself ... it's a tough one.

I went into this knowing only it's based on a true story and Wahlberg is walking across America because his gay son was bullied. I never even saw the trailer, and to be honest, I held off until there was nothing better to watch to see this film, only to laugh at Wahlberg playing the dad of a gay son (the last actor I'd expect to play that role), and expected it to be boring and not even finish the film - based on the reviews I read.

Man, was I wrong. This film hits every nerve, with some shocks and gut-punches. It's about much more than the plot summary states. It is very powerful, and will leave you emotional way past the closing credits. I truly am shocked at some of the critics reviews; instead of nitpicking, they should've sat back, followed the events of this true story, and read between the lines for some very powerful messages. There is so much more to this film than meets the eye.

I actually enjoyed the way the story was told, and the flashbacks were placed perfectly. The directing and cinematography was spot-on, and the screenplay was excellent. The 94 min runtime was just right, and the pacing couldn't have been better. The score and soundtrack were perfect, and that last song will just keep tugging at your heart-strings as the credits roll by.

Casting and performances were outstanding, and although Wahlberg should've used some onions to shed some real tears in a few scenes, his tone, facial expressions and demeanor in my opinion made his performance Oscar-worthy.

This is a must-see film for every father out there, regardless of your beliefs or religion. I feel this film is one of the most powerful films - based on true events, of the decade. It's a well deserved 9/10 from me. Again, wow.

The story is beautiful. The ending is truly touching. I enjoyed watching it.