Film Review: Joe Versus the Volcano (1990)

The line separates misunderstood masterpiece from overambitious failure is often blurred, and this is exactly where Joe Versus the Volcano, 1990 romantic comedy written and directed by John Patrick Shanley, finds itself in. The plot begins in New York City where Joe Banks (played by Tom Hanks), the protagonist, works as clerk in dreary-looking factory having to deal with tyrannical boss Mr. Waturi (played by Dan Hedaya). Joe feels so miserable that he is even oblivious to the feelings Waturi’s secretary DeeDee (played by Meg Ryan) has for him. His physician Dr. Ellison (played by Robert Stack) tells him that he is suffering from incurable disease that would claim his life in matter of months. Joe reacts by quitting his job and soon afterwards receives visit from Graynamore (played by Llody Bridges), eccentric superconductors tycoon who offers him large amounts of money in exchange for agreeing to jump into the volcano on remote and mineral-rich South Pacific island of Waponi Woo. Local population, led by Chief Tobi (played by Abe Vigoda) believes that volcano, in order not to destroy the island, requires human sacrifice every hundred years, and since no locals would volunteer, Joe would have to do. Joe agrees and comes to Los Angeles where he is greeted by Graynamore’s eccentric daughter Angelica (also played by Meg Ryan) before boarding the ship captained by Angelica’s half sister Patricia (also played by Ryan) with whom he falls in love.

Joe Versus the Volcano represented directorial debut of John Patrick Shanley, famous playwright and “Oscar”-winning screenwriter of Moonstruck. Produced by Steven Spielberg’s Amblin Entertainment, it had decent but unremarkable results at the box office and received mixed critics. Like in some such cases, it developed something of a cult of unjustly failed film. Its proponents use valid argument that Shanley, unlike many authors of Hollywood romantic comedies, strayed from the formula and tried something different. This can be seen both in content, which features element of quite serious existential drama and somewhat unconventional ending, as well as style. The opening of the film, that features character of Joe coming to the factory accompanied by choreographed moves of many extras, is something quite unusual and later followed by quirky production design by Bo Welch and deliberately obvious use of sound stages in exterior shots. Film also features Meg Ryan, one of future queens of Hollywood romantic comedies, in one of the most demanding and complex performances of her career, in which she plays three different character with great ease. In the role of Patricia she has great chemistry with Tom Hanks which would later serve her well in Sleepless in Seattle and You’ve Got Mail.

While Shanley had good plans, its execution was quite lacking, mostly due to his inexperience as director.- This becomes evident quite in the beginning, with some of the scenes that are overlong, lacking humour or even some jokes becoming repetitive. Pacing problems especially plague the second part of the film, with some segments going too long, while Joe’s adventures on the island are too short. Furthermore, attempt to make Waponi natives descendants of Celtic and Jewish slaves from Roman times is a joke that doesn’t play well and won’t be understood by many segments of the audience. Too much emphasis on pop tracks also drowns score by respected French composer Georges Delerue. In the end, balance tilts against Joe Versus the Volcano, although the fans of two main stars would probably appreciate their appearance in something quite different.

RATING: 4/10 (+)

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