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Editorial Review:
Amazon.com:
Joe Versus the Volcano is a true early-1990s cult film. This fantasy-comedy was the first pairing of Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks, yet it polarizes viewers like a Blue Velvet or Happiness. As the only directorial effort from John Patrick Shanley (the Oscar-winning writer of Moonstruck), it is something special, and it's hard to resist the film's feather-light heart tugging. Joe Banks is having the life sucked out of him at a dead-end job. Miserable in his gray surroundings with stark fluorescent lighting, Joe dreams of being brave again. A visit to the doctor reveals that he has a 'brain cloud.' It's fatal, but he'll be fine for a few more months. An eccentric millionaire, Samuel Harvey Graynamore (Lloyd Bridges), hears of Joe's predicament and comes to him with a proposal: The people of the Pacific island of Waponi Woo need a human sacrifice to appease their gods. Why not live like a king for a few weeks, then throw yourself into a volcano? (Graynamore needs a sacrificial victim to offer in exchange for permission to mine the island for a rare mineral.) Joe accepts Graynamore's lavish proposal and on his journey meets three romantic possibilities (all played by Ryan). Joe embraces life; so does the movie. It's packed with smile-inducing supporting performances by Bridges, Ossie Davis, Robert Stack, and Dan Hedaya; playful songs ('Sixteen Tons,' 'Ol' Man River,' Presley's version of 'Blue Moon'); and amusing scenes (such as Joe buying luggage). Add the daring, imaginative production design of Bo Welch (Edward Scissorhands), Hanks and Ryan's chemistry, and Georges Delerue's romantic music and you have a film to fall for. --Doug Thomas
Customer Reviews
Average Rating: 
Rating:  - Charming
This movie is under-appreciated. I remember when it came out and how comedians and others would mock it. You have to take it for what it is. To me it's just a light-hearted parody about how life can be so mundane and as a society we can get so caught up in the seriousness of life and having to make money at any cost that we forfeit the joys along the way.
I loved the music too. It was all just fun for me.
Rating:  - Charmer
What an incredible movie! My father was the first to get me hooked on this movie, and its random storyline has enthralled me ever since. More fable than true story, it still manages to be humorous, random, and heartfelt all at once. Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan have their usual chemistry, leading this film to be one that will stay in the heart.
Rating: - Quirky humor
It's not a straightforward-type humor, but if you like quirky humor, you'll love this movie. I thought it was hilarious.
Rating: - Joe vs. the Volcano
Joe vs. the Volcano is an excellent "little" movie that defies categorization and is in my all-time top five films. Written and directed by John Shanley this is sort of an adventure, kind of a romantic comedy, and also a spiritual odessy all wrapped up into one entertaining film. Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan play their roles well and are surrounded by other notables: Lloyd Bridges, Robert Stack,Carol Kane, Dan Hedaya, Ossie Davis, Abe Viggoda, Amanda Plummer, to name just a few who play their minor roles ... Read More
Rating:  - Silly concept but hey it's Tom and Meg!
Joe Versus the Volcano is one wacky film of the '90s. This was the first film with Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan, the other two are Sleepless in Seattle and You've Got Mail. This particular film is not as good as the other two but still engaging. Hanks and Ryan have the most amazing chemistry together, you can't take your eyes off of them. The concept is so silly but hey this a romantic comedy, you can call this film a guilty pleasure of sorts.
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