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Joe Somebody

Joe Somebody on DVD

As far as movies go, it doesn’t get much more by-the-numbers than Joe Somebody.

It progresses exactly as we suspect it will, not throwing a single surprise our way. But at least it manages to be relatively enjoyable at the same time.

Joe Scheffer (Tim Allen) is a nobody. He’s ignored by his coworkers, divorced by his wife, and was even passed over for a promotion that he very much deserved. Then, on “bring your daughter to work day,” he’s beaten up by the office bully over a parking spot.

After falling into a pit of alcoholic depression, he finally decides that he wants to be somebody. He challenges the bully to a rematch, takes some fighting lessons, and all of a sudden he’s the most popular Joe in the building.

Will Joe end up fighting the bully, or will he realize that he doesn’t need to fight to prove himself? I think we all know the answer to that.

It’s advertised as a family comedy, but it’s hard to tell exactly who it’s aimed at. It seems a little too mature for kids, but not quite mature enough for adults. It offers a few laughs, but there’s nothing memorable.

Jim Belushi turns in an amusing supporting performance, but otherwise the film lacks any zing.

Joe Somebody has a heartwarming message, which in many cases is cringe inducing, but it doesn’t shove it down your throat in this case, so it’s tolerable. If the whole family is looking for a movie to watch together, this might make a decent rental.

As usual, Fox has provided a pretty good DVD, despite Joe’s failure to ignite the box office last Christmas. You’re given a choice of 1.85:1 anamorphic widescreen or full screen, and the picture is pretty good. There’s nothing notable, but there’s nothing really wrong with it, either. It’s a little soft in a few places, but is otherwise quite decent.

The soundtrack is done in 5.1 Dolby Digital, but it would have worked just as well if it were stereo. What you get out of the front channels sounds good enough, and you probably won’t even notice the lack of rears.

Extras include a commentary by director John Pasquin and producer Brian Reilly, four short deleted scenes with optional commentary, and a short fight choreography featurette.

Joe Somebody, from 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment
100 minutes, anamorphic widescreen (1.85:1) 16X9 enhanced, 5.1 Dolby Digital
Starring Tim Allen, Julie Bowen, Kelly Lynch, Hayden Panettiere and Jim Belushi
Produced by Arnold Kopelson, Anne Kopelson, Matthew Gross, Ken Atchity, Brian Reilly
Written by John Scott Shepherd
Directed by John Pasquin

 

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Updated May 13, 2006