This film won an “Original Selection” Award at the 1996 Sundance Film Festival and it is excellently directed by David Wall, who also won a Jury Award for his direction for his latest film, “Mrs. Worthington’s Party.”
“Joe and Joe” is a visual feast for the eyes as the director spins his story of these two buddies who mow lawns for a living. There is more going on than meets the eye, however. Who is the beautiful young woman who shows up? Why do Joe and Joe catch her in some lies? The film has some mystery but some genuinely funny parts too, such as when Joe keeps on talking to the other Joe while simultaneously brushing his teeth. The scene in which they use marshmellows to fish is also quite funny.
There are also some great comments in the film. When Mrs. Kelly is asked by one of the Joes if it is ok to do something wrong (stealing) to have a better life, she replies, “Not if it hurts other people.” You don’t get that line in a movie every day. We do award this film four doves for ages twelve and above, while noting it is a bit of a ghost story. There is mystery involved in figuring out all the pieces and there are no scary moments in case anyone wonders. It is more of a suspense/comedy kind of film and its off-beat nature makes it a charming film. It also includes some great visual scenes of Cape Cod.