Average Joe is a dark comedy and crime drama film produced in 2021 with Joe Meehan as the director and the leading stars in the drama include Cameron Judd and Akasha Banks Villalobos. The screenplay centers on the character Joe, an ordinary man who mistakenly finds himself in the middle of the conflict involving gangsters, confusion and unintended courage. Average Joe has managed to capture humor and cruelty simultaneously as the film depicts an ordinary person caught in a scheming world in which the person faces threats and often illogical turns of a criminal story. To some extent, it is a chemistry between a shy everyday man and the unknown society that pushes him into war.
Plot Summary
Joe, a passive and boring man with no distinguishing features and who seems to be living in monotony says that he rather bumps into a pile of cash unwittingly. As soon as he is excited about what seems like the luckiest day of his life, it quickly turns into a nightmare telling him that the cash is that of a don Mafia. Before we see Joe Sargent, he is right in the midst of an almost comical yet chaotic survival challenge attempting to cling to his money while trying to avoid gangsters, cops, or for that matter any one who desires that bundle of cash.
What began as a simple banking mission soon involved an orchestra of Joe’s muscle and intellect, and who would have thought; it turned out to be more than what he had envisage. As events unfold, his potential is stretched in relenting circumstances which are quite shocking. He is accompanied by his comical neighbor as well as a number of diverse quirky characters, some of whom are a sheer delight and others who just make things worse… He then also joins up with the neighbor and a whole cast of oddball characters who are sometimes helpful and at times, just more trouble than they are worth. We learn in a very funny way that Joe is so ‘average’ that there are remarkable moments when simply ‘average’ people manage to be ‘average’ and unreasonable, making the world spin.
Themes.
Ordinary People is embedded with messages about self and self-discovery, and wisdom that an individual resided deep inside, and with one witnessing tough predicaments turns out to be a true warrior. Joe’s character evolution at the hands of Nate from his work to earning the title ‘crazy’ is pretty astounding and downright kickass. The combination of light-hearted comedy and a twist in crime elements elevated the film to another level, creating a piece of work that left the audiences in split.
Performance
As Joe, Cameron Judd was superb in showcasing an everyman who found himself in bizarre circumstances and didn’t entirely understand it at first, as he was just confused, and embarrassed at the whole situation. Judd is great, and brings just the right notes of physical comedy into play to make the audience love a character such as Joe. With ease, she embodies the character of a neighbor who is not impressed by Joe and his plans but slowly warms up to him and the plans.
Tone and Style
Both dark comedy and suspense can be said to be a major focus of Average Joe, which in some way revolves around a funny storyline almost reminiscent of the Coen Brothers’ style. This film employs a harsh and ordinary visual style which renders the exaggeration of Joe’s predicament as comprehensible as it is intolerable. The screenplay ensures there is harmony between humour and tension and most refreshing comedy moments are provided before and after the crux of the plot, enabling the audiences to enjoy Joe’ s escapades.
Reception
Among fans of independent films and those interested in off the wall comedy, Average Joe has found its niche. Crime genres are often male dominated, with an ‘every man’ perspective being introduced, and fans acknowledged the freshness it breathed into the american crime genre. Humour, the suspense and an unlikely hero; Average Joe was able to seamlessly combine elements that are rarely found in one comedy film.
Overall Impressions
Average Joe is a fun, witty movie which at the same time is a crime thriller, but with a twist: the hero is anything but a super person. The film takes a twist in what is regularly considered a cliché. Filled with comedic moments and twists, its assurance allows viewers to grab hold of the protagonist’s dream and cheer him on.
Target Audience
Average Joe will appeal to fans of dark comedies and crime capers as well as the underdog story. Even more so for people who watch movies like “Burn After Reading” or “The Man Who Knew Too Little” where there is lots of action and comedy and an average Joe is the most rounded character in the movie and most lovable as well.
