Blu-ray Review: Matthew McConaughey Mesmerizes in Great ‘Killer Joe’

CHICAGO – William Friedkin’s “Killer Joe” is one of the most underrated films of 2012. Sure, it has its fans, but the movie made almost nothing in theaters (around $3.5 million worldwide) and didn’t make enough year-end lists for my tastes. The cast rules, the script from Tracy Letts’ play is stellar, and the design is perfect. If you can handle your noir with a heavy dose of greasy malevolence, it’s a definite rental you’ll want to make.

Rating: 4.0/5.0

Matthew McConaughey rules as the titular hitman hired by a redneck moron involved in one of the most hysterically misguided contracted killings of all time. He’s charismatic and terrifying. The film falters a little bit when it leaves its theatrical roots but those moments are few and far between. If you love dark theater, intimate tales of bad people doing bad things badly, this is one for you.

The movie made a bit of a splash at South by Southwest and footage from its premiere there is included but the Blu-ray release is surprisingly light on special features. A note: The unrated version is the theatrical one. They released an R-rated one on DVD and Blu-ray as well. Stick with the original.

Killer Joe was released on Blu-ray and DVD on December 21, 2012
Photo credit: Lionsgate

Synopsis:
“Killer Joe” Cooper (Matthew McConaughey) is a Dallas detective who moonlights as a hit-man, with the charm of a Southern gentleman. Chris (Emile Hirsch) hires Joe to kill his mother, in order to collect her life insurance and pay off his debts. When Chris is unable to pay for the service up front, Joe takes Chris’s sister Dottie (Juno Temple) as a retainer until he can be paid.

Click here to buy “Killer Joe”

Special Features:
o Southern Fired Hospitality: From Stage To Screen
o SXSW Q & A With Cast
o SXSW Intro By William Friedkin
o White Trash Red Band Trailer

By BRIAN TALLERICO Content Director HollywoodChicago.com brian@hollywoodchicago.com