Joe Bell

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.

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.

You knew this was going to be a sad movie, so don't complain about it. You knew it dealt with the subject of LGBT, so if you don't like it, why did you watch it?

The most important thing this movie shows us is just a taste of some of the nastiness bullied people endure. Only a taste. Such a shame because it is the bullies who are truly flawed.

In this film, the parents are supportive. Well, it is 2022. Think of all the bullied kids who had no one on their side or no one to turn to. If you can't sympathize, why did you bother watching the film?

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.

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.