Average Joe

Maybe the cast was all they could afford. The plot is pockmarked with huge holes and filled with unnecessary events. If the leads were 10 when the story kick off, chronologically they would be in their 30s when they get married making it impossible to be "empty-nesters" then unless they also started parenting at 10. Not to mention the leads at 30 look 50!

The story incorporates a myriad of unnecessary events which should have been cut short. Maybe 10 mins for that before moving on to his role as coach, subsequent events related to it, his loss of job and the ensuing court trial which is what the movie was supposed to be about. Jumping from foster home to foster home, his life in the military, his love life - losing and gaining, marriage, all unnecessarily occupy a lions share of the already meandering plot. Or it could have started with the trial cutting back for a while to his childhood but only to introduce the character to the audience, and flashbacks of the events that directly led him to this point. There was a multitude of possibilities to not make this movie a yawner.

I'm giving this movie a 10 simply because right now it's at a 3.3, and it doesn't deserve that low of a rating. Though I'm a Christian, I will usually avoid these types of movies because they are always unrealistic and horribly acted. Honestly, for a medium budget faith based movie, it's about a 6.5. Joe's young life was filled with abuse, and I felt the movie did a decent job of portraying that without going overboard. I'm sure it was much worse. This is a true story dealing with the hot-button issue of freedom of religion. That's the way I see it anyway. I'm guessing most non-Christians will not like it, but I thought it was well acted, above average, and it's an incredible story of fighting for faith and freedom. I would highly recommend to people who appreciate these values.

I'm not sure why the reviews are so low on this movie? It's a really well-made, well acted and interesting movie. I'm glad I did not let the negative reviews discourage me from watching it. I loved it.

It's very challenging to find a movie that is clean and actually has meaning behind it. This is a heartwarming and authentic movie about standing in faith, the power of prayer and a life without compromise. I also appreciated the authenticity of the pitfalls and imperfection of Joe's life. It was all very relatable. The way the story was told was also interesting where they were interviewing Joe and his wife.

Great story! Why do people hate just because they don't agree with you? The rating scale of 1's vs 10's is quite telling. Each time I see such an extremely difference of opinions, I'm curious. Seems odd, right? Are there ratings feelings or true movie reviews??

The movie was NOT a one star. I've seen plenty of one star movies- this isn't it. Good acting and Good story.

I seriously wish the reviews did not need to be so lengthy. We read them and get what we need without 1,000,000 words

All true stories turned into movies have some fluff. If you or anyone you care about was in the military this movie makes sense. It's worth the 90 mins for sure. Haters gonna hate.

It's interesting to note that there are usually critics of movies that don't make sense.

Did they truly consider the plot and context of the story that was presented?

Joe Kennedy is interviewed in the beginning and shares with the audience about some aspects of his life.

It is not always funny and can be painful to see what took place.

It seems that there is significant reason not to change it to fit someone's opinion that may not deal with facts.

I appreciate Mr. Kennedy and his family allowing their story to be told and the legal aspects explained for religious expression in our country. It was difficult for them, and he made the effort to be a fighter because of God influencing him. That is what he said and I believe him.

There are some lighthearted moments. I enjoyed seeing the backstory behind the headlines that I was familiar with.

The football coaching was character training for the team. They supported his example, but he didn't force his prayer on them.

I would hesitate to consider a review that protests so much as if the movie goer can't make his own decision.