[Review] — AVERAGE JOE is a Surprisingly Entertaining Sports Drama

Check out the new movie AVERAGE JOE (PG-13; 100 minutes) in theaters today, brought to us by Universal Pictures, Pinnacle Peak Pictures, Great American Pure Flix, Fathom Events, and Coach Productions. 

Directed by Harold Cronk (God's Not Dead 1 & 2) and written by Stephanie Kataz (The Blind), the film stars Eric Close, Amy Acker, Austin Woods, Andrea Figliomeni, and David Jensen. 

The movie tells the true story of high school football coach Joe Kennedy (played by Eric Close), a man who has faced many challenges in his personal and professional life. After getting fired for taking a knee in prayer after games, Joe and his wife Denise decide to fight for religious freedom, freedom of speech, and the rights of all Americans, regardless of the cost. 

Experience the inspiring true story of Coach Joe Kennedy in AVERAGE JOE. Find ticket locations and prices at www.fathomevents.com/events/average-joe/.

Sports dramas are a dime a dozen nowadays; however, many are unfortunately predictable, even those based on true stories, often filled with too many Hollywood clichés and sentimental moments. AVERAGE JOE is a bit different because it's a faith-based film. (However, it includes some unnecessary foul language.) The script breaks the fourth wall by having Joe and Denise Kennedy (played by Eric Close and Amy Acker) talk to the viewers multiple times throughout the 100-minute runtime, leading to a few unexpected comical moments.

The first half focuses on Joe's difficult childhood, the initial meetings with Denise when they were kids, his time in the Marines, and his married life with Denise. The second half concentrates on Joe's coaching years for the Northlake Wolverines high school football team and his habit of kneeling to pray on the field, which leads to his firing and a court battle that forever changes religious freedom in the USA.

AVERAGE JOE is a surprisingly entertaining film with decent performances from the cast. It's worth checking out in theaters. ╌★★★★✰

Disclaimer: Many thanks to Average Joe for providing a screener for this review. My opinions are 100% my own.