Here’s a film that gets an “A” for Intention and a “D” for execution. In the category of “Changing neither hearts nor minds,” Oregon simpleton Joe Bell decided to walk all the way from his semi-rural, semi-west coast home to New York City. And Reinaldo Marcus Green decided to recreate that walk in film form.
Jadin Bell (Reid Miller) had the kind of classmates one hopes never show up at school. I’d like to say this is uncommon, but truthfully, it’s probably an everyday occurrence in both MAGA d9ominated and non-MAGA dominated American high schools for a kid to be bullied over perceived sexuality. And, of course, perception had little to do with Jadin’s case; he was openly gay and tormented for it. His parents ranged from and understanding and sympathetic mom (Connie Britton) to a confused and deliberately evasive dad (Mark Wahlberg).
Naturally, the film is entirely about dad, which aligns poor focus and poor execution. And this is irrelevant, but Connie Britton looks like Mark Wahlberg’s mom in the film. Hence, not wild about the casting, either.
After understanding how much his son has been bullied at school, Joe decides it’s time for a stupid and meaningless gesture;
he’s going to walk the width of the entire continent – you know, like Forrest Gump, only not as fast nor in any way enjoyable.
Part of the huge problem here is that Joe Bell is a jerk; he has to learn how not to be an insensitive clod just like the folks he’s trying to convince. This is very off-putting from the audience POV. We want Joe to grow and develop, sure, but he’s not doing it fast enough and his methods of enlightening audiences are pathetic. At many times, we are screaming: “Who are you trying to convince? Us or yourself?” The people who see this picture don’t need convincing.
Joe Bell is an well-intentioned, ill-fated bomb. I really wish I had better things to say about this picture, but I do not. Mark Wahlberg didn’t strike me even once as a SJW … and yet that is the role he’s chosen to play. But it’s not just Wahlberg; this picture was a bad idea. Stop. Lemme rephrase. The idea of enlightening all Americans to the plight of gay people and gay rights is a noble one. But the delivery of this message in this form is piss poor.
A sad parent acted on a huge hunch
That he could convince the masses over lunch
Yet it’s hard to agree
With a guy so angry
Marky Mark and the not-having-any fun-ky bunch
Rated R, 94 Minutes
Director: Reinaldo Marcus Green
Writer: Diana Ossana, Larry McMurtry
Genre: Changing hearts and minds zero at a time
Type of being most likely to enjoy this film: SJW, I guess. Maybe
Type of being least likely to enjoy this film: MAGA, but this pool is hardly limited to bigots
