Craigslist Joe (2012) User Reviews

Worth the watch

[sophiagigliotti · 7/10 · 26 June 2013]

Craigslist Joe is a road film documentary that challenges the viewer to reflect on his or her own generosity. In this film Joe Garner voluntarily leaves his home for 31 days with only a laptop, cell phone, and the cloths on his back; with the hopes that he can rely on the generosity of people through Craigslist ads to travel the Unites States. Through Craigslist, Joe comes across a large (an odd) spectrum of people, including businessmen, hippies, a compulsive hoarder, Iraqi immigrants, and a dominatrix. Towards the end of his trip he even gets to meet the founder of Craigslist himself.

The road film genre of Craigslist Joe, paired with the many collaged videos of Joe's adventures, made the documentary feel like a scrapbook of Joe's journey. As Joe narrated the scenes, it made me feel as though I too was along for the ride. This film was entertaining throughout and because of the unpredictability of Craigslist, I never knew what to expect next.

Having used Craigslist before, I was curious about this film to see how and if it is possible to live off of the website. Craigslist is notorious for being dangerous, because you never know who you're trading with and I personally have been put off at times by the potential of coming across a "bad" person. After watching this film I think I would feel a little more open to the idea of using the site, because a large majority of the people (although bizarre) were kind and charitable.

The were a few technicalities that hindered the practicality of this experiment working. The fact that Joe was a clean-cut, attractive, white male, with a camera following him around, may have contributed to the ease in which he found assistance. It would be interesting to see how this experiment would have worked if done off camera, and or with someone of a different race and gender. With that said, the help that he received came from ads that people had posted regardless of Joe and his film. Although Joe's presence may have heightened peoples warmheartedness, there generosity was there to begin with.

Pretty nice documentary

[jojosimien14 · 7/10 · 11 March 2013]

This showed that there are still people out there who are willing to help strangers out the kindness of their heart. I think it may have gone a bit different had there been no camera or if this had been hidden camera. People he just met were too anxious to let him spend the night at their place, and at one point a female who initially said "no" went back and let him spend the night. I think knowing it was a documentary people felt a little safer and more willing to lend a hand. It was still great to see people helping one another. I felt he forced his emotions to make things seem more dramatic. His tears didn't seem 100% authentic to me. I expected a much more exciting adventure, but it may just be because Joe himself is so monotone. Still a good documentary and well worth the watch.

Put Me Back on Track

[lorriebeauchamp · 9/10 · 28 December 2012]

We need more of this type of average-Joe content, although this Joe is far from average. As I watched this tender and inspiring documentary, I realized how cowardly we have all become by ingesting so many fear-based stories from the media and Hollywood alike. We don't trust each other anymore, and our default button is set on "be suspicious", which is really too bad.

Joseph Garner is a modern hero. He shows admirable tolerance, an ability to suspend judgement, and the compassion of someone whose ego hasn't replaced his heart. I laughed, I cried, I felt so inspired by the end of this movie that I wanted to go out in the street and start hugging people. I have grown too cynical, and Joseph Garner reminded me that cynicism is a dangerous stance, putting our own humanity at risk. We can't turn on each other, or isolate ourselves, without suffering huge repercussions on a global basis.

As we move into the next year, may we all find it in our hearts to be more open to strangers, to reach out with help when we can, and certainly to embrace community whenever and wherever we find it.

No fuss, no effects. Just people being GREAT people.

[jennmillerla · 9/10 · 4 August 2012]

Watching this left me wanting to give Joe a big hug! Ha, aside from how amazing random strangers were I love that their are people like you - Joe. That have the right kind of crazy and honest passion for the weird and wonderful people we share this world with.

Feel inspired and truly blessed with the wonderful people I do have in my life. But seeing strangers putting themselves out there to help another fellow human being left me feeling happy, excited, emotional and restored faith in our chaotic world we've created.... Ineeded that.

Made my day!

Thank you x

Watch this documentary if you need your spirits lifted!

[noellecm · 21 April 2017]

I can't even find the right adjectives to describe this documentary. I was able to live the adventure that Joe was undertaking, living for the moment, putting trust in perfect strangers hands, and be awashed in the generosity of others. Absolutely a worthwhile watch when you feel like you have had enough of the human race and their lack of humanity. This documentary rewards you in ways you didn't think possible!

Joe is just too ordinary (minor spoiler)

[farfromthem · 3/10 · 15 November 2012]

Watch this film as even though I have rated it 3 does not mean it didn't entertain me in parts and you should make up your own desicion, it's not like I just wasted the last 2 hours of my life completely. However this film had the opportunity to be so much more. The premise for the doc is great, a man who essentially is going to live and die by the site Craigslist to acquire food, bedding, transport and companionship. It's not that Joe doesn't set out with these intentions and deliver it's just the fact that Joe is the most boring human being ever to be followed by a camera. Uninspiring with the most generic opinions on life and the people he meets. There are some great characters but eventually you just want the camera filming them rather than old Joey Essex since he lacks any type of banter, charisma and any hustle. The fact he has to ask people for a place to stay after linking up with them made me cringe so many times, he couldn't even charm these people to offer him a place after spending hours with him, they took him in out of pity.

I mean just check Craigslist and see the fruitful opportunities to make an entertaining film. It needed the sex, drugs and rock'n'roll factor and felt more like an empty dying jazz club which should of closed 50 years ago. Joe sticks to the ordinary. He doesn't fully immerse himself in the task at stake as he lacks real emotion. Towards the end he does force some out in a pathetic snifling type of way which just comes across as patronising to the hard done people he's encountered along the way.

If I were to reshoot this film I would go solo with the camera, cut 50% of the crap out of him emailing and throw myself into some really sticky situations with some actually weird, crazy and messed up people. Joe stay at home with mummy next time.

Pretty awesome, really enjoyed it! :)

[skattyus-211-25082 · 9/10 · 3 November 2012]

I felt like there may have been a Heisenberg factor throughout the show, that is the fact that people are aware that a camera could be recording them so perhaps they would act differently (I would suspect they'd be nicer)?

Nevertheless, overall it was a very intriguing, honest and perspective altering show frankly. I mean people really did offer to do things without knowing that he was writing a documentary.

I think I liked this documentary so much because it was more of an experiment for a given hypothesis rather than an investigation trying to convince you of something. I guess it was trying to convince me that there is good in the world and well it pretty much worked! That doesn't mean tomorrow I am going to go on Craigslist and do what he did, but I think there was something valuable to take away? :)

Suspect of this being a spontaneous movie...I believe much of it was probably preplanned.

[chadpepper · 1/10 · 24 May 2013]

I'm suspicious of how this documentary is sold as simply a guy traveling for 30 days only using craigslist to get food, transportation and shelter. How can that be when you have such a large crew and Zack Galifianakis from 'The Hangover' as the executive producer(see list below).

Produced by Emily Foster .... associate producer Zach Galifianakis .... executive producer Joseph Garner .... producer Eve Marson Singbiel .... producer Uday Sehgal .... executive producer Angelique Sheppard .... co-producer

Original Music by David G. Garner

Cinematography by Kevin Flint

Film Editing by Drew Kilcoin

Animation Department James Anderson .... animator

Editorial Department Dennis Alaniz .... assistant editor Jacquelyn Herbert .... assistant editor Jonathan Liebert .... digital cinema mastering Adam Ohl .... digital intermediate producer Jan Yarbrough .... digital intermediate colorist

Additionally, I'm a little suspect of the people encountered and subject matter. He just happened to stumble on some friendly jews and a family from IRAQ who talked about how Americans tell them to go home. Throw in a trip to show the New Orleans hurricane Katrina devastation and how 'artists' are rebuilding the lower 9th ward. And, don't forget the scene where he is walking through a demonstration (not certain if it's one of the 'occupy' protests).

There was one guy (hippy type) with a crappy vw van that breaks down several times. This guy has several jackets and other articles of clothing that cost more than his crappy vw van. This too was very suspect to me.

I was disappointed.

People are overwhelmingly trustworthy and generous

[tashi-herzmark · 10/10 · 30 October 2012]

Craigslist Joe demonstrates to all those who doubt the basic goodness of human beings that each and every one of us possesses beauty and a fundamental dignity. The films characters and their interactions pass as at least exceptionally genuine and not a moment of camp or scripting was evident and this with the ordinariness of the content gives it it's power. The subject matter, alienation and the vanishing of real community (in the U.S. and the industrialized world at large), born by distrust and distraction, is eminently relevant and the film works very well by instead of bemoaning the fact showing the conditions for healing. I hope that you can watch this movie and see what is missing in your life, and perhaps rate this free of cynicism. Cheers and jolly good luck; the Elites may have all the wealth but we've certainly got the numbers.

Makes You Feel Optimistic About Humanity

[politically_incorrect204 · 9/10 · 16 January 2013]

While I acknowledge the cynical points by some about this film I don't think it should discredit it and certainly shouldn't discredit it's intention. Yes I suppose the camera could have influenced people's decisions and their treatment of Joe. But we can't prove that and I honestly feel like most of these people came across as rather genuine. Would they have been AS altruistic without the camera? Perhaps, perhaps not. But I still think they would've tried to help. Regardless I still think the film had some great moments and told some great stories about people and about humanity. I refuse to look at this film through such a cynical filter that all I can do is pick it apart. As someone who believes in the power of Craigslist and people's general humanity and compassion for each other I found the film very enjoyable and even uplifting at times, but perhaps that's just my optimism.

Deeply Touched

[thisismikec · 9/10 · 24 April 2017]

What a beautiful soul. OK, so maybe the experience would have been different if there hadn't been a camera, but that is not the most valuable part of this film. It is in witnessing the incredible love and respect with which this young man interacted with people he met along the way. Joe would later go on to create the popular search engine http://allcraigslistsearch.com . The most inspiring thing about this whole adventure for me was the restoration of my faith in the human heart. The segment about the woman who hoarded left me in tears and Kleenex up to here. What a loving heart Joe has to be so kind to someone who is probably routinely disregarded, and to reveal her vulnerable brilliance. Joe's family must be very proud. I hope the future looks like this. Bravo, Joe.

Genuinely, Honestly Inspiring and Uplifting

[rham-975-644917 · 10/10 · 22 April 2018]

It will restore your faith in humanity. I was absolutely blown away by this documentary just now. The level of generosity, humanity, compassion and empathy shown by the people Joe meets in his journey around America present a far different picture of us than what you're seeing on the news and on facebook. I simply cannot recommend this highly enough!

Fascinating Story!

[jake-harkey · 9/10 · 14 October 2013]

"Craigslist Joe" tells the story of a man who makes it his goal to leave his home and make it by for one month. Here are the rules: no money, no credit cards, no check books, and no contacting anyone that he knows. So how does he do it? Craigslist. On Craigslist, he is able to post ads and respond to those posted by others in order to arrange plans for where to stay and eat food. Each day, he meets new people, who are each interesting in their own way. To me, this movie is fascinating because no man would have been able to manage anything like this before household technology was common. Also, the generosity and compassion of the people he meets is breathtaking. To sum it up: creative concept, impressive feat, great movie. I'd recommend "Craigslist Joe" to anyone.

Wow

[williamsalabi · 10/10 · 20 September 2021]

This movie that I never heard of had such an effect on me. Tears! It was an audacious premise. I loved seeing that there is and always has been those who will help one another, including strangers. A community through experience and just being who they are did and will open themselves, their homes, their cars, their lives up and help others along the way. I am moved and inspired by it. Craigslist Joe. Well done everyone!

Breathtakingly eye opening

[mirockemsockem · 10/10 · 28 April 2017]

I'll have to write a better review after I stop bawling like a complete man-baby from a certain part. Breathtakingly eye opening. An absolute must watch. America really is a great place, and it's because it's full of people from everywhere who wanted a better life, to become an American.

Phone credit

[MickyFin · 2 November 2012]

As much as I looked forward to watching this, I was shocked that there was no mention about his calling credit.

I myself struggle to put calling credit on my phone.

Sometimes, I go a month or two without any calling credit at all, and while I do get credit, its only due to my mother feeling sorry for me.

So my question is, how can this guy, go out there, unarmed, and unprepared, survive without calling credit on his phone.

As asked above, how would this individual manage without any calling credit, or the land-line he is reliant on.?

I feel that the whole DVD and film is a fares, and that there are people out there that need more exposure! Period!

Excellent...

[karen-137-293945 · 10/10 · 3 August 2020]

This was so creative and risky. It was so interesting to see the human interaction in this film. And your ability to deal with all different people and situations was truly remarkable. Great job! I highly recommend this film.

Good movie

[ravanno · 10/10 · 20 July 2018]

Great movie. This movie did so much for me. Awesome people throughout the whole movie.

The Goodness of Human Beings

[kely-campos1789 · 10/10 · 2 January 2015]

The goodness of human beings is explored in this documentary that pleasantly surprised me. I must say that I found it friendly from the moment the problem statement. During the trip, Joe gives us a heart medicine by saying he always found a kind soul along the way.

I thought it was great to achieve a documentary like this and to establish a way to connect with people. Joe manages to catch the viewer to reflect even the problems that stand in the way, but ultimately encourages us as a society of little media exist or is so small that ends up being nonexistent. Definitely the world is full of good people, bad few.

Craigslist Joe and demonstrate this through this documentary

What an experience it must have been..

[mike-ian · 10/10 · 26 May 2014]

I can't begin to explain how much I enjoyed this documentary.

It was amazing seeing the hospitality others were willing to give to a stranger. It was amazing to see the fulfilling personal experiences and unique stories Joe had that no amount of money can buy. It was amazing to see the bonds that were created with those Joe helped from Craigslist.

I'm a Craigslister, a CouchSurfer, a nomad, always looking for adventure and any way to experience something unique. I enjoy meeting people and hearing their stories. I feel that Joe's month-long experiment was an experience I could only dream about. It must've been an experience of a lifetime

watch it! very worth the time

[joythirstpop · 28 June 2016]

not many folks have written reviews so I'd just like to affirm what they have said about encouraging their belief in the goodness in humanity - it has definitely affected the way I view the world.

it's not meant to be some artsy pretentious crap - Joe is honest, and authentic, and he is not preoccupied with seeming cool- you can tell that he wanted to make this documentary for the Right Reasons instead of the wrong ones

maybe this will inspire your own adventure and it echoes of and reaffirms what I have learned on some of my own

good job joe