JOE VERSUS THE VOLCANO REVIEWED
“Joe Versus The Volcano” just works. For many that grew up with HBO in the early 90s, it seemed like this movie was on constant repeat. Hell, it was my fourth viewing before I realized that Meg Ryan was playing three roles. I was kinda blind as a kid. But, what makes this movie work? From the dour opening to the fact that the movie is driven by a terminally ill man wanting to kill himself, it shouldn’t be so happy. But, it works in its carefree nature.
A rich industrialist finds Joe after he’s been told that he has a terminal brain cloud. The rich guy needs a patsy to satisfy some natives by jumping into their volcano. After Sick Boy is charred up more than Anakin Skywalker, rich guy can mine native island for materials. Everybody wins! Joe seems down with this, so he makes plans to end his life on a tropical paradise. Along the way, he meets women that he either alienates or depresses. But, who cares? He will be dead soon.
The film feels very Golden Age in its approach to character and story layout. There is no attempt at realism, it’s just an ongoing adventure of a man wanting to die. Naturally, you get a typical happy ending. The kicker is that it works. By the time that Joe and his new found love throw themselves into the Volcano, you want there to be more Joe. Honestly, it’s a credit to Shanley to make death this cheerful.
SPECIAL FEATURES
- Documentary
- Music Video
A/V STATS
- 2.40:1 1080p transfer
- DTS-HD 5.1 master audio track
