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However, the films fairly relentless focus on Joe at times gives short shrift to Jadins own story.
Thats the brief review.
The longer, spoiler-y version is more complicated.
The boy walking alongside him, in other words, is a phantom.
Much of what one thinks ofJoe Bellwill turn on what one thinks of this twist.
Some will surely find it manipulative.
It is, of course.
But movies manipulate; thats just part of what they do.
We might also notice that the boy walking alongside him is not Jadin but an idea of Jadin.
More specifically, an idea of Jadin still held by his father.
Ghost Jadin excoriates him for not kicking these mens asses.
Its an odd moment and doesnt feel like something the kid would say.
The father professes a kind of half-hearted support, but hes clearly embarrassed by his child.
When he says, I love you to Jadin, it sounds like a threat.
This same psychological block dominates Joes trek.
He moves relentlessly forward, delivering speeches to high-school gyms and bingo halls in an aggressive, motormouth monotone.
Hes in a rush because hes not really walking across the U.S.; hes running from himself.
He hasnt thought of the role his own dont-ask-dont-tell attitude might have played in helping end his sons life.
That 2005 film is vastly superior toJoe Bell, but one can see an odd continuum between them.
And unlike Joe, the film never quite achieves self-awareness.
Thats not simply an issue of representation but of dramatic weight.
As it stands,Joe Bellis an occasionally moving film that misses its chance at greatness.
