Customer Reviews

Holy Joe

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

John Ritter has performed in very few family dramas; although this is a less known work of John, this is also a rare treat for all fans who have loved John Ritter and Meredith Baxter through their respective sitcoms of 1970s/80s. Most of his movies utilized his talents as comedian, but this movie illustrates that John could be a serious actor too. The movie tackles an interesting concept; if a miracle happens, is there a divine intervention or it could be explained rationally. Joe Cass played by John Ritter initially refuses to accept that this is a miracle in spite of the fact he is a dedicated family man, and a preacher of an Episcopal church. His family is less than perfect and his children's are faced with realities of life. Yet he is caring and loves his family and care about community by volunteering as a fireman. During a rescue operation, Joe witnesses a miracle when he tries to save the life a young child trapped in fire. While this miracle not only saves his own life but also brings his family together; his children become responsible and loving and the community comes to regard him as a witness to a real miracle. This is a touching drama of a man who struggles to make it all happen; keep his family together, love his church, and care about the community he lives in, and most importantly deal with the question that did miracle really happen. Meredith Baxter has provided an outstanding performance as his wife Anne who helps him get through the difficult times of the family and also help him understand that miracle did happen. Joanna Garcia (from sitcom Reba) has offered a fine performance as a difficult and out of control daughter, but grows to be a very understanding young woman, and helps her mother emotionally when she is waiting for hospital results to find out if she has bone cancer: Later this turns out to be negative. On the lesser side of the movie, it is interesting for all fans to learn that both John and Meredith attended Hollywood high school at the same time, and both had same birthdays!

This is the story of Joe Cass, a small town Minister. Joe preaches at a church with 4 members, his family is struggeling to stay together, and he is training as a volunteer fireman. During a fire, a miracle happens to Joe, while saving a boy from a burning building, that the whole town, except Joe, believes was Jesus Christ himself. This incident blesses the town and brings them closer together... I don't want to give any more away. This is a very touching movie, and I feel all should watch this movie, Christian or not. You can't go wrong for the price. Buy it, watch it, and see for yourself.

God Bless

This movie is a great firefighter movie if you are into that kind of stuff.

Outstanding movie. John Ritter was great. How sad we lost him. Story of sheer courage and faith. A must see.

I bought this based on the reviews and was pleased with the movie. I was touched by the story and found the acting to be excellent. It kept my attention and I really enjoyed the lessons learned...I shed a tear more than once. A great Christian show.

John Ritter and Meredith Baxter do an outstanding job of portraying ordinary Americans grappling with an issue that most in Hollywood refuse to treat, and pretend doesn't exist - religious faith. Ritter plays the part of an Episcopal priest serving a flagging congregation and grappling with serious, though ubiquitous, family issues, such as teen rebellion. Ritter is also stuggling with his own faith, asking his wife (Meredith Baxter) at one point "Did you ever think life would work out the way it has?"

Serving also as a volunteer fireman, Ritter observes what could be interpreted as a miracle. Accepting it as a miracle has the potentional to revolutionize his life, and the life of the community in which he lives, but his faculty of reason remains an obstacle.

Have you, the reader, ever experienced what could be the hand of God in your life, and struggled to decide how to interpret that experience? Does God exist? Does he care? Are miracles still possible in this age of reason.

Most Americans grapple with issues of religious faith, and movies like this ought to be commonplace in theatres today, for they reflect on that reality. My hat is off to Ritter and Baxter for making this movie, and the producers for backing it. Please give us more!

this is a great little movie

Jack Tripper ( John Ritter ) plays father
Billy Abbott ( David Tom) plays son
Cheyenne Mongomery ( Joanna Garcia) plays daughter


This is a great little family movie. great cast
just read what the movie is about.

Of course this movie is not a blockbuster and maybe that is a point of significant appeal. I however found the film laughable not only in its storyline but also in the acting within the movie. My desire is not to tear this piece to pieces, and while I am not of the faith of the people in the film or most probably the people who buy the film as well, the movie is sub-par. A few examples include, 1) Staircases exploding from the side of the burning house, 2) The pastor's denial that his rescuer in the fire was another firefighter who said, and I quote "Follow me and walk in my path." There are many examples of items similar to the aforementioned. The movie by any standard is mediocre. Enough said.