Joe Versus the Volcano

Rating:
Summary: Like an old movie that you watch again and again.
Review: I love movies usually for one reason: great dialogue. You can't beat it when Tom's character tell's Meg's "Angelica" character what he does for a living and she says, "Oh. I have no response to that." That's so real! So many times have we as people had nothing to say about what someone else comments on and that line is priceless for that reason. The scenes are wonderful with beautiful ocean views (especially the big moon rising), sometimes obviously fake backgrounds like an old 30's movie (but that's why it's lovable!), and an addictive soundtrack (let me know if you can find it on cd or tape!). The plot is fantastically real with a free-willing just-do-what-you-really-want kind of feel that let's you connect to the characters. The best of the Tom and Meg's, I think. Buy this movie now, no matter what other critics might say!

Rating:
Summary: Best surprise I ever had in a movie theater
Review: I saw this movie 10 years ago because the movie we went to see was sold out. Talk about a great surprise! We all thought it would be stupid because of the commercials, yet instead we were taken in by the film's sweetness and thoughtful nature. The ending was a little over the top, but who cares?!? "Are those your clothes? You ain't got no clothes."

Rating:
Summary: Deep and sweet and badly mismarketed
Review: This is a film I stumbled on when it first came out, and my friends were expecting an Airplane! style comedy. Written and directed by lauded playwright John Patrick Shanley (Moonstruck,Danny and the Deep Blue Sea) this movie holds more than meets the eye. With its stylized art direction and potent dialogue, you should keep an open mind, but I love so much of the insight, "My father says almost everyone is asleep, only a few of us are awake... " Funny in a new way, smart in a rare way, and the trailers when it came out made it look plain silly. Give it another shot...

Rating:
Summary: One of the best movies that I have ever seen!
Review: Joe Vs The Volcano was without a doubt, one of the most entertaining videos that I have viewed! I don't understand what other people have found so "boring" about this movie. The movie roled right along from scene to scene with plenty of romance and comedy that made viewing it worthwhile. The first of three (so far) movies that pair up Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks. This movie definently belongs in any movie lovers collection.

Rating:
Summary: Take a closer look
Review: This is one of my favorites, but for some real fun, look closer at some of the scenes. Notice what is on the lampshade in Joe's office. Pause the movie when lightning strikes the boat. Keep looking, there is lots more!

Rating:
Summary: A silly ending, but a great movie.
Review: The first half hour of this film will make you wonder why on earth they call it a comedy. Tom Hanks, a sad little man in a sad little job, diagnosed with a terminal illness. And the end will make you cringe, it's such sophomoric nonsense. (I won't give it away.) But the middle? Stunningly beautiful -- philosophical, funny, bittersweet, visually poetic. It's one of my all-time faves. Meg Ryan playing multiple parts is quite good, and Tom Hanks is very good (brilliant at times). If you're looking for a straight romantic comedy, don't watch this. Head for "When Harry Met Sally." However, if you're in the mood for something slightly fantastical and fable-like, you'll really enjoy this.

Rating:
Summary: Better than people admit.
Review: This Meg Ryan-Tom Hanks movie isn't as good as Sleepless in Seattle,but its still worth the time you spend on it.This movie has 3 thing that make it work, Meg Ryan, Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan (she plays dual roles here. Good date movie to bring a new girl friend over to watch the ole vcr.

Rating:
Summary: IRONIC HUMOR WITH A HEART
Review: This film is panned by most 'officios' and many audience members. However, a possible source for such a response is the Amer. simplistic expectation of humor. If it isn't a bludgeon with lots of sex and violence japes, it "isn't funny." Joe..., is fun with a heart. The natives are a parody and should not be viewed literally. The dialog is simple yet expressive of some areas of real human experience most films dare not venture into.... That is why a line like, "Do you want to hear one of my poems..." dissatisfies. Meg is flawlessly depicting many "lost souls" who create poetry that looks silly but remains real. How many who have lost love would not resonate to that line, and the films final expression: "Far away from the things of man, my love. Far away from the things of man."That is the theme of the film. And, just make sure you have 'good luggage' is a metaphor, as they float off into the moonlit sea....

Rating:
Summary: A movie that gets better each time you watch it.
Review: Don't just watch this movie once. After my first viewing, I thought it was a very pleasant way to spend an hour and a half but not much more. Then I viewed it again and ended up buying it to watch on a regular basis. Strengths Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan; Surprisingly deep symbolism; Great quotable lines (eg." I have no response to that.") Weaknesses Actually, the only problem I have with this movie is the depiction of the natives on the tropical island. They seemed pointlessly silly and a little over the top and, I believe, cost the movie some credibility. Summary: Who could dislike a movie with dialogue like this? "Would you like to hear one of my poems?" "Sure" " 'Long ago, the delicate tangles of his hair covered the emptiness of my hand.' Would you like to hear it again?

Rating:
Summary: A Quality Film That Just Isn't For Everyone
Review: Yes, it was a box-office failure. Yes, it gets lumped in with Turner&Hooch and The 'Burbs when examining Hanks' 'ouvre.' But man, if your brain is wired right for it, this is a sweet little tale. Quick Plot Summary: A man is stuck in a dead-end job, whittling his life away. (You DO want to identify with the protagonist, don't you?) He gets a chance to do something extraordinary with his life, and--under duress--takes it. The movie is the ride that follows. The brilliance and poignancy of this movie is that it allows us to see how, in the small ways (and without the severe circumstances that are motivating Joe), each of us can be enriching our lives on a day-to-day basis, simply by getting up every morning and actually LIVING. Forget routines, forget politesse; sure, each of our lives has its parameters, but couldn't we be doing more within them? Take the chances life gives you. Like "It's A Wonderful Life" and "Dead Poets Society," this movie helps feed the fire of life. *A tip-- this movie is not to be taken solely on face value; there are rich veins of meaning and symbolism that are often overlooked, and--in my estimation--that is why this film often gets the bum rap it does.