User reviews

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.

Greetings again from the darkness. Given his track record, Mark Wahlberg is not the guy that first comes to mind for a message movie about tolerance and inclusion. On the other hand, he's perfectly cast as a macho Oregon dad struggling with his own prejudices when his son comes out as gay. Director Marcus Green (MONSTERS AND MEN, 2018) is working with a script co-written by Diana Ossana and the late, great Larry McMurtry, and though the film touches on some topics of conflict, it does so in a manner that plays comfortably for mainstream audiences. Mr. McMurtry passed away earlier this year, and the two co-writers shared an Oscar for their screenplay of BROKEBACK MOUNTAIN (2015).

Wahlberg plays Joe Bell, and the film is based on the true story of Bell's decision to walk across America - from Oregon to New York City in honor of his son Jadin (played well by Reid Miller). Oregon was home, but the Big Apple was where Jadin dreamed of living - a place more accepting of him. We witness some of the relentless bullying and abuse Jadin endured at school and the Principal's appalling reaction, and we also see his home life: a dad who tries to avoid the issue and a loving mother (Connie Britton) who is not a woman of action.

While on his tribute walk, Joe stops at schools and community centers to tell the story of Jadin and express the importance of kindness and tolerance. Of course, this is also a time for some personal emotional cleansing for Joe ... an act of atonement, if you will. There is a twisty plot device that is evidently supposed to be a surprise, but there was no need to make it such - it would have still worked just fine. One of the best sequences occurs when Joe crosses paths with a small town Sheriff played by Gary Sinise. It's a cathartic few minutes that allows a fine actor (Sinise) to play the role of a father unloading the burden of guilt.

The past few years have inspired many of us to face our personal prejudices and perspectives, and this message movie reminds us that homophobia still exists and often overpowers the kindness of others. Jadin's essay describing being "surrounded by people that hate you" probably hits home for far too many.

Opening in theaters on July 23, 2021.

Not a bad film at all, so I dont get the negative reviews. Yes it is sometimes a bit cliched and sometimes a bit too emotionally over the top with some cheapish effects but I think in the essence it is a very important message the film spreads.

What I found was a bit hard to get into it at the beginning - I didn't know anything about the story before watching the film and usually I dont google a real live story I dont know about before entering the film that portrays that story. Maybe thats why I liked it and connected to it after a while. I think no matter what the quality of the film is - the story is real and it is important that it is shared. Maybe people were expecting a second Brokeback Mountain. I didn't. I expected a tender father-son-story which I got and on the top of this I got a story of much more importance. Ok I stop preaching. Back to the quality of the movie. Yes it was corny at times. Yes it was overwhelmingly sentimental at other points. It however contains some really decent acing. Biggest shout out to Reid Miller who was fantastic. He will go places. Such a beautiful and honest performance. Didn't feel like acting. Major thumbs up!

Mark Wahlberg in the lead was not bad either. He had some really good moments especially towards the end. Still it was not groundbreaking but in his own legacy the performance surely ranks in the Top 10. Also Connie Britton was memorable and nice to see Gary Sinise back with a short but beautiful performance.

I think the film mostly suffered from its direction. I was not on par with some creative decisions. The screenplay was also not out of this world, especially considering the writers involved. Still, and I am going back to preaching. This film is important and in my opinion spread this important message quite effectively.

IN A NUTSHELL: This dramatic movie is based on the true story of a small town, working-class father who embarks on a solo walk across the U. S. to crusade against bullying after his son is tormented in high school for being gay. The film is directed by Reinaldo Marcus Green.

This is one of those movies that the critics absolutely hated, rating it at an embarrassingly low score of 38% on Rotten Tomatoes, while audiences really enjoy it, giving it a 77%. What did YOU think of the movie? Comment down below! I'd love to know your score!

THINGS I LIKED: I adore Mark Wahlberg in everything he does and he does everything well: drama, comedy, action. He gives a strong, powerful performance, as expected, and is one of the producers of the film. Rumor has it that Wahlberg invited young Reid Miller to his house for breakfast just to tell him in person that he landed the role of Jadin Bell. Awww, what a nice guy.

And speaking of Reid Miller. He's perfectly believable in this role.

Other talented cast members are Gary Sinise and Connie Britton.

Sadly, this is Larry McMurtry's last screenplay because he died just before the release.

Cute scene about Lady Gaga's songs.

You get to see some real video footage and images of the real people this movie is about at the end of the film. I always love that.

There's a sucker-punch moment that I didn't see coming. Nice job.

The story itself is heartbreaking and important.

THINGS I DIDN'T LIKE: I thought it was interesting when the son told his dad, "It's my life, Dad. Not yours. " While that's definitely true, the son's life choices DID affect the dad's life.

The timeline can be a bit confusing as it bounces around.

Don't watch the trailer before you see the movie so that you don't see any spoilers.

It's a painful, terribly sad movie.

Some viewers complain that the movie doesn't dive deeply enough, but it does do something to keep the conversation of acceptance and tolerance going. Its heart is definitely in the right place.

TIPS FOR PARENTS: Profanity, crude language, including F-bombs Two gay teens kiss Ugly comments about gays Bullying Family Parenting You see some Drag Queens at a gay bar

l.

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.

"Joe Bell" a film based on a true story involves a little mix of pain, drama, and coming to terms with tragedy. The story is gripping and touching as Joe(in a raw performance from Mark) decides to journey and travel by land and foot across country to raise awareness for his bullied and dead long lost gay son. The flashbacks and emotions of the film are touching and sometimes hard to take as it's a fight for human rights and freedom, only to end in stark tragic reality. Maybe not the best film, yet it's one that fights and stands for something.

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.

Mark Wahlberg is struggling to be a good actor. He appears in numerous big-budget movies in all high-budget box office projects. Which I think does well. He and Reid Miller made a good couple in this movie. Reinaldo Marcus Green did a pretty neat job. The year may be 2021, but homophobia is still a big problem. Especially for a teenager. Such films are important for awareness.

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

Not sure Mark was the right lead for this though he acted well, it was a cleverish reveal as well if you didnt already know the true story.

As a father if two sons I felt it though, but more because of the real tragedy, in fact there are many tragedies in this story, than the lead performance. Support actors were good.

If you watch a lot of movies you'll work out the plot pretty quickly but that doesn't mean it ruins the film. Its about a fathers guilt and his shot at redemption and the director as attempted to use a device to explain the fathers thoughts. That's it really, worth a watch.

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.

Mark Wahlberg acts his ass off in this one. No guns or aliens or spies to hide behind. This is a brilliant performance. And the young actor Reid Miller is amazing. Connie Britten was better than ever and child Maxwell Jenkins steals a scene or two.

Not for the faint of heart or light viewing. 8/10.

For such serious subject matter, the movie missed the mark. No pun intended. Wahlberg's performance was overly acted and the movie was all over the place with a lot of continuity issues and time jumps. A lot of the grit that could have made it a great movie. Instead, it was glossed over. Would not recommend and that's a shame.