Average Joe movie premiere
October 1, 2024 at the Dolby Theater
Hollywood, California
Average joe movie reviews
“…AVERAGE JOE is a creative, well-acted, heartfelt movie based on an inspiring true story. It’s shot in an interview style, with Joseph and his wife, Denise, telling their story. Characters often break the fourth wall. This unique style is engaging and serves as a nice balance between the harsh reality of Joseph’s life before faith, and a testimony to his life as a servant of God….”
PLUGGED IN by Focus on the Family
“… What surprised me, though, was that the story we encounter here is bigger than that conflict. We see how Joe’s tumultuous life has shaped his faith, both in the good moments and the bad. And, frankly, it feels like Joe has endured more of the latter. So by the time the movie’s signature standoff finally comes into view, we’re able to better understand how God has molded Joe’s character for that moment, that fight. I like that about this film. It’s not just one righteous man vs. evil government forces, a plot device that can feel two-dimensional and stereotypical. No, this time around we get a bigger story about a man who’s fought through hard things but who is determined to follow God faithfully, no matter the consequences. This story will, I believe, connect with a lot of families...”
“…Average Joe explores this polarizing topic with nuance. While clearly sympathetic to Joe’s perspective, it also portrays opposing views with care. What results is a thoughtful, film-provoking discussion on where to draw the line between expression and coercion in an increasingly diverse society….Yet it also depicts opposing views with care. Not all see expressions of faith as acceptable in certain settings. Where exactly is the line between open worship and covert coercion? The movie poses this debate but has no simple resolution…Director Harold Kronk and writer Stephanie Katz tread carefully with Average Joe’s sensitive subject matter. Rather than villainize dissenters, they crafted thoughtful adversaries to move discussions forward. Scenes like Joe’s coffee chat showcase this nuanced approach.Additionally, the witty script deserves praise. Average Joe may center on weighty themes, yet it’s also enjoyable. With deftness, humor balances drama to keep engagement high. A little joke or amusing exchange between the leads proves the perfect tonic…”
“…Based on a true story, the screenplay by Stephanie Katz is warm, witty and wise with just the right balance of heart and humor. It’s far from a dry, pedestrian biopic on Joe Kennedy because the narrative occasionally gets interrupted by Joe and his wife, Denise (Amy Acker), being interviewed together. Amusingly, sometimes they have different recollections of key events like the details of how they first met. Katz keeps the film grounded in humanism, a truly special effect, even when Joe goes all the way to the Supreme Court while standing his ground. Fortunately, it avoids veering into sappy or preachy territory which could’ve easily happened with a less sensitive screenplay….”
“… The story jumps between a dramatisation of the events that Joe Kennedy went through, throughout his life and to Joe and his Wife sitting on a sofa speaking to the camera in a documentary / interview style. This film doesn’t just break the forth wall, it completely demolishes it, for some it might take some getting used to, however it is an interesting and different way of telling the story, at times it feels odd but it doesn’t distract from the story or the message. It has a similar feel to Forrest Gump in terms of the storytelling….”
“… The movie makes a logical case for its stance, arguing that what the coach is doing harms no one and in no way intrudes on anybody else. Writer Stephanie Katz and director Harold Kronk lay out their points in a well-reasoned manner so that, even if you don’t agree with it, you can understand why people like Kennedy feel the way they do. At the same time – and this is why I recommend the picture – it studiously avoids outright piousness….”