Watch Walkaway Joe

Walkaway Joe is a powerful drama film released in 2020. The movie stars David Strathairn, Jeffrey Dean Morgan, and Julian Feder in lead roles. It revolves around a story of redemption, forgiveness, and family. The story begins with an introduction to Joe Haley (Jeffrey Dean Morgan), a professional pool player who is disillusioned with his life, which is full of bad habits and mistakes. One day, Joe leaves his son, Dallas (Julian Feder), at a gas station and disappears, leaving behind his broken family.

Years later, Dallas is an aspiring boxer who is struggling to cope with his father's abandonment. He feels incomplete without his father and convinces himself that he needs to find him to get closure. When he learns that his father is now a drifter and gambler, he sets out on a journey to search for him.

On his way to find his estranged father, Dallas meets a bar owner named Manny (David Strathairn), who offers him shelter and work. Manny, who had an abusive father himself, takes Dallas under his wing, becomes a mentor to him, and guides him towards boxing success.

As Dallas is struggling to make a name for himself in the boxing world, he learns that his father is in town, and that makes him decide to confront him. However, when they meet, it becomes apparent that Joe has not changed his ways, and their reunion ends in chaos.

After the encounter with his father, Dallas loses his confidence and interest in boxing. Once more, he reaches out to Manny, who helps him pick himself up again. Dallas finally starts to understand that he doesn't need his father's approval to become a successful person. In the end, Dallas realizes that the family he has built around him is more than enough to make him feel whole.

The primary focus of Walkaway Joe is the tumultuous father-son relationship that forms the backbone of the story. Jeffrey Dean Morgan delivers a powerful performance, portraying a character that is full of flaws, but one that the audience cannot help but feel for. Similarly, Julian Feder gives a nuanced performance as a young man who is searching for his father's approval and ends up realizing that he doesn't need it.

David Strathairn gives a compelling performance as a wise mentor figure who has lived a life full of regrets and who genuinely cares for Dallas as if he were his own son.

The movie is shrouded in themes of redemption and forgiveness, highlighting the importance of family and the damage that can be caused when a family is torn apart. It also touches on the dangers of addiction and the havoc it can wreak on one's life.

The cinematography of the film is incredibly well-done, making excellent use of the rural landscapes and gritty urban environments. The boxing sequences and the pool hall scenes are especially well-executed, immersing the audience in the world of the protagonist.

In conclusion, Walkaway Joe is a moving tale of self-discovery, forgiveness, and the importance of the family. The powerhouse performances from the lead actors and the well-crafted story make it a must-watch for fans of drama and family films. It is a reminder that it is never too late for redemption, and that sometimes, just building a family around oneself can be the source of the ultimate happiness.

Walkaway Joe is a 2020 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 29 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.6.