Lisa Johnson Mandell’s Joe Bell review says it feels gritty and authentic, telling a true tale in a surprising way.

Some of you may remember the tragic and true tale of Joe Bell, who attempted a walk across America to bring an anti-bullying message to the masses as a tribute to his gay son Jadin. Jadin died following a heinously abusive high school incident in Oregon. I vaguely recalled hearing something about the event, but had no recollection of the specifics.

This gritty, indy-feeling film, stars Mark Wahlberg in the title role, and fills in the details, which are not pretty. Appropriately enough, the film is not pretty either, and that’s what makes it so intriguing.

Towards the beginning of the film, Joe Bell addresses a high school assembly about the tragedy of bullying and the virtues of acceptance. He is neither elegant nor engaging. It’s hard to watch, but this makes it more realistic. Not everyone is a born public speaker. To polish Bell’s performance would be a little too Hollywood.

Joe Bell is almost aggressively anti-Hollywood, unfolding in a way that will be quite surprising to those who don’t know how the story ends. Violent scenes are averted, many lines are mumbled and stuttered — you know, the way real people talk.

While it’s a bit disconcerting to see Wahlberg in a role where he’s not playing the smart ass action hero, he reveals impressive range. Also look for fine performances from Connie Britton as Joe Bell’s wife, Reid Miller as Jadin Bell, and Gary Senise as a kindly sheriff, a pleasant surprise in that it’s been awhile since we’ve seen him.

This is not likely a movie people will rush out to see in theaters, but one that will be well watched at home, with loved ones and box of tissue.

Rated R

1 Hour 34 Minutes

If this Joe Bell review moves you, get times and tickets at Fandango.

Lisa Johnson Mandell’s Joe Bell review says it feels gritty and authentic, telling a true tale in a surprising way.