Well, "Beautiful Joe" is a low budget film, so, consequently, it has had a very little publicity. However, that fact doesn't necessarily mean that it's a bad movie, and in this case, it's actually not a bad project. The plot is sometimes too rushed-- like in the scenes involving Joe's brain cancer--, but that happens in order to bring the story's main subject more quickly: the romance. Joe abandons his former life to discover the world out there, and albeit he gets involved with a troublesome woman, he finds a new happiness along with her. On the other hand, I may admit that the story feels too generic and ordinary to be told in a feature-film, but it can still be enjoyed as long as the spectator buys the spirit of it. Also, I disagree with its synopsis that has been written on IMDb; Joe is nothing close to a "really nice guy", whereas Hush isn't a "really bad girl" as well. That being said, in my opinion and in conclusion, "Beautiful Joe" doesn't bring anything new to the genre that it's been produced in, but it is surely a humble project that entertains the average audience.

It seems to me that almost everyone who writes or directs a movie these days throws gangsters into the potpourri of their films. And I do mean that exact word "throws." This is otherwise a very human scale romantic comedy and drama vehicle very ably acted by Sharon Stone, as a woman in need of rescue from a life lived too close to the edge, and Billy Connolly, a rock of a man beloved by all. They are an unlikely pairing but it works. The jist of their plot is whether Stone's character can finally settle down with a worthwhile guy (Joe) instead of the marginal losers she normally ends up with. Then there is the whole gangster subplot which involves gangsters after both Stone and Connolly with reasoning and results so convoluted that all you can do is groan when they come on screen again. Maybe these movies get financed when the producers hear the word "gangsters." I can come up with no other reason why they are being inserted into every other film I am seeing these days.I was delightfully surprised to see Sharon Stone and Billy Connolly in a movie together. An unlikely match, you say! But the story and plot were superb! Billy has toned down his humor, but it shines through. Sharon was an excellent love interest for him. He plays his role with tenderness, humor, bravado, and extreme likability. She has a role which is not typical for her, nevertheless a good one. I highly recommend watching this movie.danceability-1, Amsterdam Holland

Not a great film, but not bad either. Cast are excellent and it's fun. Plus, except for a few swear words, you could watch it with adults. Billy Connolly is always entertaining. Imagine how great he'd be if he ever changed his hair do. Sharon Stone plays an over-the-top floozy (or is it floozie?) with too much makeup and too little clothing. No nudity, though. And if she seems different, Gil Bellows is a far cry from the Allie McBeal attorney. I recognised Ian Holm, but I couldn't recall from where. The British actor gives an incredible performance as a tough mobster who may have just met his match. Or not. And Jurnee Smollett is delightful as the daughter, who is a far better judge of men than her mom. Written and directed by Stephen Metcalfe, who manages to avoid annoying clichés until the very end. Then again, at least it has an ending.

A cute little film. I'm not familiar with this Billy Connolly, so I don't know if he really has that Irish brogue, or if he acted it. It was good, anyway. Sharon Stone continues to prove her acting range with a dramatic role (also with an accent). I had never heard of this film when it came on cable, but it was sweet. Worth catching the next time it comes on.