With the two lead actors and the premise of this film, it could have been so much more. Unfortunately the film mirrors the acting of the central character portrayed by Julian Feder. Here is a meaty role with a meaningful journey, but the film falls flat, as does Feder's performance, or should we say lack thereof. Young man's search for father, part road trip, part billiards competition. We can't pull for the son because he takes us no where, emotionally. We really can't cheer for him in the pool competition either, because the characterization is so distant and vapid. The elements are all present, but neither the performance by the young protagonist (who does NOT look 14 y.o.) or the direction, allow us to get there. Too bad, but not memorable in the least.
36 Reviews
Lacking, but has good things to offer
aurion728 February 2023
Many reviews of this film discuss the unfulfilled potential of a good premise, the lackluster acting by some of the players, the uneven direction, etc., etc., etc. You know, I can't argue with any of that. But here's the thing: It is so hard, these days, to find a movie that leaves you with much of anything in the way of good feelings that run deeper than a shallow and momentary, fleeting high at best. Most don't even do that; it's not the intention of the filmmakers to make you happy, but rather to do something else. But here we have a film that, while rough and not up to par in some ways, accomplishes one very worthwhile thing. It shows us what it's like to struggle and fail as a parent or just as a person, and it shows us what it's like to keep trying anyway. How many modern films present examples of people who mess up in real life challenges, and yet don't make excuses or blame others, but rather take responsibility for their actions, their failings, everything, and keep giving it another try. This is what being a "good" person is about, not perfection, but someone who cares, who tries, and doesn't quit. And Bravo to the creators of Walkaway Joe for attempting to present that for people to see.
The adults are some of the best character actors on the planet. So let's let this film rest on the shoulders of some kid who can't act.
SamMalone073 January 2021
Is this kid the son of some producer or something? This film could have been something halfway decent. It isn't. I knew in the first 15 minutes this kid wasn't right for this role. He's young, and might still have a future in front of him but this was too meaty a role to rest on the shoulders of someone so inexperienced and so obviously not up to the task. He looks and sounds like someone from the Hudson Valley but I'm supposed to buy that this kid is from Louisiana? It's a good enough story, standard run of the mill father/son/mentor picture and I really like these kinds of films, but it's bogged down by a poor lead performance. I don't regret watching it as I'm a huge Morgan/Strathairn fan. Emery is a good actress as well. It's not a bad story, just something that's been done a million times before, and better. Could have benefitted from a better lead.
Good but incomplete script.
ritera19 July 2022
Warning: Spoilers
Midwest. Pool shark father (Morgan) runs out on family. 14 year old son (who looks 25) goes after him and immediately meets Joe (Strathairn). Both butt heads but go on the journey together.
Good but incomplete script. Moved well. Good acting except from the kid who badly mumbled most of his lines and really didn't look the part. A few plot holes.
You had a passing sense that the Joe character had "demons" but still kind of came out of nowhere at the end.d but incomplete script.
Good but incomplete script. Moved well. Good acting except from the kid who badly mumbled most of his lines and really didn't look the part. A few plot holes.
You had a passing sense that the Joe character had "demons" but still kind of came out of nowhere at the end.d but incomplete script.
Good pool movie.
androidarmy10 May 2020
Somebody mentioned that they didn't understand why all the good reviews and that they gave up halfway through. Well chances are the good reviews came from people who stuck it out till the end.
Good pool movie. I always like it when you can tell the actors are really shooting pool and they don't cut away from the actor to the shot, making you think that somebody other than the actor actually made the shot. You can tell that the actors are either decent pool players or they took the time to practice for the film.
Average Joe of a film
brumfieldb7 October 2021
Had some potential but I feel like they didn't know which cliche path they wanted this film to take.. also with as much focus and screen time the "14 year-old boy" receives they could've found a muchore talented actor. I'm sorry the kid was terrible.
JOE, U COULD HAVE DONE BETTER
clarkishome8 May 2020
I was expecting a lot more from this movie. I'm a Jeffrey Dean Morgan fan and I don't feel that he lived up to his potential. Overall it's a well written story although the acting wasn't up to the screenplay.
Another story of a dysfunctional family in our country where a stranger can make a difference in a kids life. Don't get me wrong, it's a decent movie but it's not something that's outstanding or left me saying, that was a good movie, when I left the movie theater. It's worth watching, but I don't know if it should be in your top picks. 👀
Watched it all, which was difficult, and it was boring.
wontread-413596 March 2021
It was hard to pay attention to this movie.
The storyline was rather dull and frankly I can't understand how there are any good reviews.
Were those people watching the same movie?
The nightly news, as depressing as it can be, is more entertaining.
Much potential but more hit and miss
siderite8 June 2020
I have enormous respect for both Jeffrey Dean Morgan and David Strathairn and this is a movie about the relationship between boys and their fathers. How could this go wrong in any way? Well, unexplainably, it did.
While the story in the film is charming, it is also completely predictable and barren of any subtlety. A big minus was the lead actor, Julian Feder, who had the emotional range of a two by four, while at the same time having no other positive attributes. I mean, his character was not a meathead muscleman who didn't need to show emotion, only punch people, he was a goofy fourteen year old who was trying to get his asshold father to come back to his family. The actor should have gone from crying his eyes out to smashing things and through cold hearted mean spirited and thoughtless words. He only managed the latter.
And this film had so much potential. Strathairn also went with a subdued, more cerebral take, while Jeff Morgan was awesome in how well he portrayed the worthless pool hustler. I mean, even his posture was completely different from his usual roles. Unfortunately he had only a few scenes and that was all. His mother should have had a bigger role, too. I actually like Julie Ann Emery a lot, too, but she had like four scenes in the whole thing. I mean, this could have been another Over the Top. I know that wasn't the greatest movie of all times, but it stayed with me. Unfortunately Walkaway Joe rises very little over day TV film quality and I will not remember it. Too bad.
While the story in the film is charming, it is also completely predictable and barren of any subtlety. A big minus was the lead actor, Julian Feder, who had the emotional range of a two by four, while at the same time having no other positive attributes. I mean, his character was not a meathead muscleman who didn't need to show emotion, only punch people, he was a goofy fourteen year old who was trying to get his asshold father to come back to his family. The actor should have gone from crying his eyes out to smashing things and through cold hearted mean spirited and thoughtless words. He only managed the latter.
And this film had so much potential. Strathairn also went with a subdued, more cerebral take, while Jeff Morgan was awesome in how well he portrayed the worthless pool hustler. I mean, even his posture was completely different from his usual roles. Unfortunately he had only a few scenes and that was all. His mother should have had a bigger role, too. I actually like Julie Ann Emery a lot, too, but she had like four scenes in the whole thing. I mean, this could have been another Over the Top. I know that wasn't the greatest movie of all times, but it stayed with me. Unfortunately Walkaway Joe rises very little over day TV film quality and I will not remember it. Too bad.
Boring and bad acting
jponteaarc21 May 2020
An Entertaining Redemption Movie
christianmomreview8 May 2020
The film wasn't rated, but I think it would probably be a PG or PG13 movie. There is some smoking, some mild violence and one or two curse words. Knowing this, I will leave it up to you, if you think appropriate for your children, but I am very comfortable with my 9 and 14 year olds watching the movie.
The characters played by David Strathairn, Jeffrey Dean Morgan, Julian Feder and Julie Ann Emery are all good realistic characters and are acted well. The story is about a young man and his father, who are in the middle of making some bad choices and Joe (David Strathairn) has already made his and has been suffering for years.
The young man, Dallas (Julian Feder), is searching for his father, who has left him for a life on his own playing pool. Dallas is at first reluctantly helped by Joe. However, when the boy shows a kind gesture, Joe continues to help him. In some ways, Joe was like Cal (Jeffrey Dean Morgan) at a period in his life (we later learn he suffered a tragedy), but has learned and continues to learn through Dallas the importance of friendship and fatherhood. With each others help, Joe and Dallas find some redemption and peace. The Cal character leaves with issues still to be resolved. I won't give it away.
I really appreciated the selflessness and mentorship expressed in the film. I was tremendously moved by the ending and hopeful for Joe. I recommend this film.
The characters played by David Strathairn, Jeffrey Dean Morgan, Julian Feder and Julie Ann Emery are all good realistic characters and are acted well. The story is about a young man and his father, who are in the middle of making some bad choices and Joe (David Strathairn) has already made his and has been suffering for years.
The young man, Dallas (Julian Feder), is searching for his father, who has left him for a life on his own playing pool. Dallas is at first reluctantly helped by Joe. However, when the boy shows a kind gesture, Joe continues to help him. In some ways, Joe was like Cal (Jeffrey Dean Morgan) at a period in his life (we later learn he suffered a tragedy), but has learned and continues to learn through Dallas the importance of friendship and fatherhood. With each others help, Joe and Dallas find some redemption and peace. The Cal character leaves with issues still to be resolved. I won't give it away.
I really appreciated the selflessness and mentorship expressed in the film. I was tremendously moved by the ending and hopeful for Joe. I recommend this film.
Enjoyable
dcoydcoy25 January 2021
Warning: Spoilers
It's a slow movie that's perfect for that night when you're tired and don't want to do a lot of thinking. It was written for tenderness in mind, only not to be very deep or complex. It's a picture based on heartbreak emotions, yet doesn't leave the viewer emotional. It will not bring tears to even the softest person. It's well acted, but without any doubt, they needed a 9 ball consultant while making it. Nothing about the 9 ball playing was realistic. This was very noticeable during the tournament play, as the players didn't position their next shots at even an amateur level. It was like watching a horse racing movie with the fastest horse incapable of breaking a trot.
One of the worst "pool" movies ever.
raiderdan-484918 April 2021
As someone who plays pool this movie was incredibly unrealistic. If you are going to do a movie revolved around the game of pool you should know the rules of the game. And Julian Feder is just a terrible actor. Some of his scenes were painful to watch. He should focus on a new career.
Falls a bit flat due to a confluence of factors.
marcssubs1 June 2020
I'd give it a 5.5 overall.
Acting: I thought that both David Strathairn and Julie Ann Emery did a first rate job. And although Jeffrey Dean Morgan's acting was fine, my wife and I weren't that impressed with the performance of the star, Julian Feder.
Story: Although the story was good, the rapidity at which events unfolded took made the story feel a bit forced.
Pool/9Ball: Whereas the game of pool fit nicely into both The Hustler and The Color of Money, it just sort of felt like it didn't quite belong here.
Inconsistencies w/o any reason as to why: Seatbelts off, seatbelts on, seatbelts off. Bike on the rv / no bike on the rv. Flat tire / no flat tire.
I feel that there was a much more enjoyable version of this movie trying to come out, but it just fell sort of flat for us.
Acting: I thought that both David Strathairn and Julie Ann Emery did a first rate job. And although Jeffrey Dean Morgan's acting was fine, my wife and I weren't that impressed with the performance of the star, Julian Feder.
Story: Although the story was good, the rapidity at which events unfolded took made the story feel a bit forced.
Pool/9Ball: Whereas the game of pool fit nicely into both The Hustler and The Color of Money, it just sort of felt like it didn't quite belong here.
Inconsistencies w/o any reason as to why: Seatbelts off, seatbelts on, seatbelts off. Bike on the rv / no bike on the rv. Flat tire / no flat tire.
I feel that there was a much more enjoyable version of this movie trying to come out, but it just fell sort of flat for us.
Bad
thepoisonedpen3520 June 2021
Your 'Average Joe' with a Couple of Good Cards in its Deck
TwistedContent8 May 2020
It's an early May morning, the sun is shining and a new Jeffrey Dean Morgan movie is peeking at me, and I say, why not. First full feature directed by veteran actor Tom Wright, written by Michael Milillo, starring David Strathairn and Jeffrey Dean Morgan as the strong supportives, and with the yet unknown Julian Feder in the lead role, "Walkaway Joe", quite misleadingly labeled an "action" movie on IMDb (as of May 8th), is an on-the-road drama about fathers, sons, mistakes and legacies. And a bit about pool.
In just ten minutes we learn enough about the life of young, 14-year old Dallas McCarthy (Julian Feder), how he enjoys dominating the local bar's pool tables with his dad Cal (Jeffrey Dean Morgan), and is blind to the fact that he has a playmate instead of a father, unaware of his faults and mistakes. Dallas idolizes his dad and hopes to go in his footsteps to become a back door pool player. Dallas's mother (Julie Ann Emery), the only person displaying sense, tries her best but in vain, for nor the son, nor father listens to her. At the end of these ten minutes, Jeffrey Dean Morgan abandons both the father and husband duties and also the screen, to return about half an hour later. All in all, I was under the wrong impression of him having a much bigger role. Oh, well. Dallas throws a couple things in the backpack and climbs on his bicycle to go and find the old-man at a pool tournament up in Baton Rouge, in a local joint called "Fatty's". On the way, after he understands how stupid of a decision it was to cycle cross the country, he gets picked up by none other than Joe Haley, nicely performed by acting-highlight-holding David Strathairn, whom, yeah you probably guessed it, will provide a sort of a father figure. There's more than one "Walkaway Joe" around here.
The first ever produced script by Michael Milillo offers an earnest and reflective story, but also a highly formulaic one. The philosophy, lessons and thoughts on display here as sincere and right-minded as they are old, and it all weaves together in ways so familiar and predictable. Some elements, like the danger of cash hungry the debt collectors after Cal, came off more oddly amusing than effective or menacing. A lot more menace in the faces of David and Jeffrey. Practically every plot turn can be smelled before it turns the corner, even the big, obviously incoming pool game went exactly as I thought it will. Pretty cool to watch it happening though. But, if not for the subtly amazing performances by David Strathairn and Jeffrey Dean Morgan, there wouldn't be a whole lot to get attracted to. Morgan does what he's real good at, portraying a tough guy with just enough heart to love him, and Strathairn carries the story of Joe entirely on his shoulders, offering us an authentic and content little performance. During the movies first half, I didn't know what to think of Julian Feder and his naive, hotheaded character on the road to the inevitable and unsurprising redemption. It was hard to grow to like Dallas, and the performance carrying him is not one I call great. He also didn't look 14 at all, so I was pretty shocked to find out he actually was 14 at the time of filming...
The cinematography is of the standard kind, options for realism as much as possible, nothing is neither extraordinary or over-the-top. Well shot pool scenes, though it's also possible I haven't seen enough of those. As its befitting for such an Americana tale, the soundtrack goes full country, but not to any faults.
"Walkaway Joe" is, pardon me for this, your average Joe. It's a movie with its head straight and intentions clear, has a couple of good cards in its deck, the most valuable of which being David Strathairn. A contemporary drama that's worth tagging along provided any of this raised your intrigue. Perhaps I enjoyed it more than that, but I say 5/10.
In just ten minutes we learn enough about the life of young, 14-year old Dallas McCarthy (Julian Feder), how he enjoys dominating the local bar's pool tables with his dad Cal (Jeffrey Dean Morgan), and is blind to the fact that he has a playmate instead of a father, unaware of his faults and mistakes. Dallas idolizes his dad and hopes to go in his footsteps to become a back door pool player. Dallas's mother (Julie Ann Emery), the only person displaying sense, tries her best but in vain, for nor the son, nor father listens to her. At the end of these ten minutes, Jeffrey Dean Morgan abandons both the father and husband duties and also the screen, to return about half an hour later. All in all, I was under the wrong impression of him having a much bigger role. Oh, well. Dallas throws a couple things in the backpack and climbs on his bicycle to go and find the old-man at a pool tournament up in Baton Rouge, in a local joint called "Fatty's". On the way, after he understands how stupid of a decision it was to cycle cross the country, he gets picked up by none other than Joe Haley, nicely performed by acting-highlight-holding David Strathairn, whom, yeah you probably guessed it, will provide a sort of a father figure. There's more than one "Walkaway Joe" around here.
The first ever produced script by Michael Milillo offers an earnest and reflective story, but also a highly formulaic one. The philosophy, lessons and thoughts on display here as sincere and right-minded as they are old, and it all weaves together in ways so familiar and predictable. Some elements, like the danger of cash hungry the debt collectors after Cal, came off more oddly amusing than effective or menacing. A lot more menace in the faces of David and Jeffrey. Practically every plot turn can be smelled before it turns the corner, even the big, obviously incoming pool game went exactly as I thought it will. Pretty cool to watch it happening though. But, if not for the subtly amazing performances by David Strathairn and Jeffrey Dean Morgan, there wouldn't be a whole lot to get attracted to. Morgan does what he's real good at, portraying a tough guy with just enough heart to love him, and Strathairn carries the story of Joe entirely on his shoulders, offering us an authentic and content little performance. During the movies first half, I didn't know what to think of Julian Feder and his naive, hotheaded character on the road to the inevitable and unsurprising redemption. It was hard to grow to like Dallas, and the performance carrying him is not one I call great. He also didn't look 14 at all, so I was pretty shocked to find out he actually was 14 at the time of filming...
The cinematography is of the standard kind, options for realism as much as possible, nothing is neither extraordinary or over-the-top. Well shot pool scenes, though it's also possible I haven't seen enough of those. As its befitting for such an Americana tale, the soundtrack goes full country, but not to any faults.
"Walkaway Joe" is, pardon me for this, your average Joe. It's a movie with its head straight and intentions clear, has a couple of good cards in its deck, the most valuable of which being David Strathairn. A contemporary drama that's worth tagging along provided any of this raised your intrigue. Perhaps I enjoyed it more than that, but I say 5/10.
Bad movie
micaperezdornaletche21 November 2020
Good movie
guyjordan-228966 January 2021
I get people saying the writing might be uninspired and familiar, yet I really like these type of movies. There is something about these familiar movies that moves us, especially when the acting is good like this one. Also, the pool playing gives a little action to the drama. David Strathairn is great and Jeffey Dean Morgan is cool even though not a great father figure. I don't get why people have a problem with Julian Feder. He's a really good actor, and I've seen him in other movies, including A Boy Called Po, where he was amazing! Maybe it was the direction, as overall the movie can be a little slow. But, in the end, I would recommend the movie for the performances and message.
Boring and drags on
plott-6249725 December 2020
Absolutely the worst road trip and dramatic film I have ever seen
jimbo-53-1865111 October 2021
So here is the crazy and rather dumb story behind this film impressionable Dallas McCarthy wants to carry on his father's legacy and be a major player as an American pool hustler, but it seems that not all fun and games can be found here and Dallas' father is being pursued by some bad dudes. Protective father Joe Haley takes Dallas under his wing and the two begin to bond, but it seems that Joe may have something to hide and as time progresses Dallas becomes unclear about where his loyalties truly lie...
In all my years of film watching I can honestly say that I have never seen a film as pointless, stupid and downright boring as Walkaway Joe in my entire life. So where do I start? Well with the whole film as in nothing happens and even when incidents do occur they are the sort of incidents that would test the patience of a saint and add no value to the film.
The whole dumbass journey between the protagonists made no sense and the stupid story was just dumb beyond belief.
I feel bad for Jeffrey Dean Morgan (a good actor who has been saddled with this rubbish) the film is terrible and has no redeeming features whatsoever.
I'm not sure what else I can say other than avoid this rubbish it genuinely is 'craptastic'
In all my years of film watching I can honestly say that I have never seen a film as pointless, stupid and downright boring as Walkaway Joe in my entire life. So where do I start? Well with the whole film as in nothing happens and even when incidents do occur they are the sort of incidents that would test the patience of a saint and add no value to the film.
The whole dumbass journey between the protagonists made no sense and the stupid story was just dumb beyond belief.
I feel bad for Jeffrey Dean Morgan (a good actor who has been saddled with this rubbish) the film is terrible and has no redeeming features whatsoever.
I'm not sure what else I can say other than avoid this rubbish it genuinely is 'craptastic'
Below average
Beardfoot22 June 2020
Brutal
colinholmes-6117112 May 2020
The pool scenes are choreographed so poorly that even someone who has zero understanding of the game would have to be disappointed. If you are going to make a movie around a particular sport, enthusiasts of that sport will naturally take a look. With that in mind surely you would endeavour to impress that audience somewhat. It fails miserably by falling back on obvious worn out pool cliches. That aside, the acting is terrible. And the movie is irretrievable from there.
Worth a watch
d-ramseeey12 May 2020
I think this film should at least be a 8. Love the storyline and the build up of the characters right to the very end. Julian Feder who plays Dallas did an exceptional job in his role and was a real stand out. Watch it with your family and support this film!
Zzzzz
maximovlE6 July 2022
A movie needs to entertain. This didn't. So it's a fair 1 star.
So disappointed, after Negan I wanted to see more from Jeffrey Dean Morgan, but didn't. This movie is slow and boring and the acting is pants. It's not even a long movie, so why fill it with so many ambient scenery shots?
Oh, and the mumbling... The walkers on walking dead were easier to understand.
So disappointed, after Negan I wanted to see more from Jeffrey Dean Morgan, but didn't. This movie is slow and boring and the acting is pants. It's not even a long movie, so why fill it with so many ambient scenery shots?
Oh, and the mumbling... The walkers on walking dead were easier to understand.
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