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Killer Joe Review

26 Jun 2012
Critics rating: 3 stars out of 5
Reviewed by Jonathan Crocker , LOVEFiLM
Killer Joe

Deep-fried in its own pulp nastiness, this Texas noir is a sordid little black comedy...

The film probably wouldn’t have stuck so memorably in the gullet were it not for two things: a mould-smashing performance by Matthew McConaughey and the grimmest use of KFC you’ll ever see.

Patiently arranging the maddest finale of the year, Killer Joe opens like old-school Coen brothers: dumb people getting into bloody trouble for big money. Deep in debt to violent men, deadbeat teen Chris Smith (Emile Hirsch) hatches a plan with his boozy, dopey father Ansel (Thomas Haden Church) and his trashy stepmom Sharla (Gina Gershon) to kill Ansel’s first wife and split her $50,000 life insurance.

Enter ‘Killer Joe’ (Matthew McConaughey), a corrupt cowboy sheriff who moonlights as a hired hitman. His retainer? Chris’ virginal young sister Dottie (Juno Temple), who seems to see herself as the beautiful prisoner in some sort of twisted Texas fairytale, casting Joe as the Prince Charming who’ll rescue her from her wicked stepmother.

Matthew McConaughey & Emile Hirsch

Recapturing some of the devilish energy that made him one of ‘70s Hollywood’s enfant terribles, 76-year-old director William Friedkin (The Exorcist, The French Connection) doesn’t pull too many complexities out of the sleazy setup. But he confidently adapts this play by Tracey Letts – whose paranoid one-roomer Bug was his previous big-screen effort – and coaxes an eye-opening performance from an actor seemingly lost in rom-com hell.

Underplaying his role with cool, controlled charm that hints scarily at bizarre psychosis, McConaughey twists his Southern charisma brilliantly. His seduction of Temple’s sweet, oddball teenager makes for scenes that tingle with strangeness, with the Brit actress sparking a weirdo erotic charge with the sicko sheriff.

McConaughey twists his Southern charisma brilliantly...

Hirsch’s performance as the desperado kid-loser is a bit rich, but Church is very amusing as the clueless, beer-swilling lunk who’s lurched out of his depth and Gershon can do the trailer-trash mom in her sleep. Not that she’s given any chance to coast in the outrageous dinner-table climax, where the star of How To Lose A Guy In 10 Days dominates this messed-up family with sex, violence and fried food. We'll say this: you won’t feel like chicken tonight.

Johnathan Crocker

Killer Joe Reviews

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LOVEFiLM Review Killer Joe

  • 3 stars out of 5  

    By Jonathan Crocker from LOVEFiLM

    KFC, you won't feel the same about it again after this black comedy from the Director of The Exorcist...

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Most helpful review Killer Joe

  • I didn't enjoy this....but you might.

    Rated - 2.5 stars  
    By a customer , 07 Nov 2012

    [Highly rated reviewer]

    I would never say don't rent a movie, just because I disliked it. And as far as I am concerned this movie is well acted and suspenseful in places. However I didn't enjoy this movie at all. Its a grim tale which is expected, but it also has a slow pace and because none of the characters are 'good guys' they are also not very interesting other than Killer Joe.

    The violence is very realistic and sickening in places. I thought the ending was slightly over the top in a shock value way, and made me wonder if characters would really act like this (in the final scene). If you like gritty films which are unforgiving and bleak you may enjoy this. I wouldn't compare this to many films, perhaps No Country for Old Men, but it doesn't come close to that movies richness.
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All reviews

(203)
  • Wrong, so wrong but worth 106 minutes

    Rated - 4.0 stars  
    By Ralphy-pants (6 reviews) , 12 Jun 2013
    I had high hopes for this , then we thought we'd give it another few minutes before we turn off because it was crap, but then we were hooked! it's a bit disturbing & very close to the mark, maybe over the mark at times. In my opinion its well shot & acted. This film is not for everyone, but i have to say it's worth watching, order in some KFC!
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  • Do no waste your time

    Rated - 0.5 stars  
    By a customer , 11 Jun 2013
    One of the most disgusting films I have ever seen. This film sums up everything that is wrong with America for me- namely tasteless excessive violence and perverse story lines. Films like this fuel the flames of the discord and sow seeds of toxicity in peoples minds. Shame on Matthew McConnaughey for going so low, quite surprising too.
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  • wierd film

    Rated - 2.0 stars  
    By paul512 (4 reviews) from Nottingham , 11 Jun 2013
    not shure what i expected,but it seems to have,no start,no middle,and no end,wierd. but at least matthew is worth the watch,rest of the cast put on a good show too.
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  • child abuse

    Rated - 0.5 stars  
    By dubydoo (4 reviews) , 06 Jun 2013
    This film is basically about abuse,in this case child sexual abuse and the viewer is expected to almost participate in it. I found it very distatsteful and cannot see any positive message in it?This is a bad film in all regards.
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  • Do give it a chance and don't switch off!

    Rated - 3.5 stars  
    By ponolops (21 reviews) from Devon , 06 Jun 2013
    Not the sort of film to watch with older or younger family members (too embarrassing) but good anyway. Very strange...even odd, but stick with it. Had to give it a good write up as it's so weird and we couldn't stop watching.
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