Average Joe

by Mike McGranaghan

The concept of religious freedom has been one of the more divisive issues in our society over the past few years. Some people firmly believe that expressions of their faith should be allowed anywhere, anytime, in any form. Others counter that argument, saying proponents of religious freedom are only truly concerned with Christianity and that it’s often a convenient excuse to discriminate against groups like the LGBT community. Consequently, Average Joe will probably raise some hackles. The movie makes no bones about its pro-religious freedom point of view. Even if you disagree with that perspective, it addresses important issues that are worth discussing. It’s also leagues better than God’s Not Dead.

You know the story on which the film is based. High school football coach Joe Kennedy (Eric Close) decides to walk onto the fifty-yard line after each game, kneel, and pray. He doesn’t ask his players to join him. He simply does it to give thanks. School officials don’t like it, saying it might implicitly make the team members think they’re supposed to join him. They offer several alternatives, including a private room in which to pray. Nope, Joe insists on doing it right in the middle of the field, just as he promised God. Meanwhile, his wife Denise (Amy Acker), finds herself a pariah at work because of his actions. Over time, the case finds its way to the Supreme Court.

Who’s right in this scenario? That’s up to the viewer to decide. Average Joe is on Kennedy’s side. The movie makes a logical case for its stance, arguing that what the coach is doing harms no one and in no way intrudes on anybody else. Writer Stephanie Katz and director Harold Kronk lay out their points in a well-reasoned manner so that, even if you don’t agree with it, you can understand why people like Kennedy feel the way they do.

At the same time – and this is why I recommend the picture - it studiously avoids outright piousness. The best scene comes when Kennedy goes for coffee with one of his critics, Thomas (David Jensen). He genuinely wants to hear this guy’s thoughts. This scene, which runs for several minutes, acknowledges that opponents of religious freedom might have very valid reasons for feeling as they do. Many faith-based productions would have portrayed Thomas and those like him as a bunch of Jesus-hating freaks. Instead, Average Joe concedes that there’s another way of looking at the matter.

Eric Close and Amy Acker give appealing performances as Joe and Denise, creating a playful dynamic between the couple while still conveying the tensions that arise at times. The movie additionally has a welcome touch of humor to compliment its sincerity. I was surprised at how often I laughed. Right when you think it’s going to start overtly sermonizing, a little joke pops up to lighten the mood.

Average Joe leaves out a few details that might reflect less than favorably upon Kennedy, such as the fact that he at one point invited the media to record him defying the school’s orders. Regardless, the film is well-made and leaves you with plenty to think – and argue – about. On that basis, it has real merit.

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