A bunch of people trying to tell us what Joseph Campbell was telling us. If you really want to hear the great man's message, do yourself a favor and watch any of these instead:The Hero's Journey: The World of Joseph Campbell (1987) http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0093183Joseph Campbell and the Power of Myth (1988) http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0296362Mythos (1985) http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0389663Joseph Campbell: Sukhavati (2005) http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2341386Thinking Allowed: Understanding Mythology (1987)Finding Joe is just — and there is no other way to put it — boring.

Such an inspiring and interesting documentary that left an indelible impression on me. It inspires me to better face my challenges, take risks and realize my potential. I think they should show this movie to all college freshmen as they begin their adult life and are trying to figure out what they want to be when they grow up.The unusual approach they take with using children to act out stories/myths in the beginning was a bit distracting in the beginning, but became more meaningful as the movie progressed. I thought the people they interviewed were delightful. I loved their comments and stories which pulled me into their lives and made me want to know more. It's a well done movie and will likely be one of the most influential to me personally that I've seen this year. Not all entertainment, so don't expect it to be full of action. But expect to learn, and to be touched on a deep level.

This movie will surely appeal to misfits and dreamers of all stripes. It starts off promisingly, introducing a few of Joseph Campbell's key ideas, and even a couple of his subversive ones. Unfortunately, it soon devolves into interviews with several men, most of whom have unconventional occupations, and all but one of whom are white. These men delight in lecturing the audience about the ups and downs and eventual success they achieved during their own "journeys," using a profusion of nauseating "you"-statements instead of "I"-statements. The takeaway from this - that you too can have a fulfilling life if you just do what you love - is nothing new and can be heard in your local college's career counseling office. Oh, but be prepared for the road to be rocky along the way. Heard that one before?This is by a director who made his living making commercials - it shows in his visual style. He has some talent in this area, but he should have left the writing to someone else.

I hadn't heard of Joseph Campbell prior to seeing "Finding Joe" but after watching the movie, and being inspired, I'm looking more closely at his work. His quotes resonant with me on a spiritual and intellectual level. There are quite a few that stand out like: "The privilege of a lifetime is being who you are." "It is by going down into the abyss that we recover the treasures of life. Where you stumble, there lies your treasure." And "Follow your bliss," which is a staple of the documentary. The film's incredible message is perpetuated by these quotes and commentary by a wide variety of professionals and others inspired by Joseph Campbell's teachings. Deepak Chopra, Mick Fleetwood, Akiva Goldsman, Catherine Hardwicke and Tony Hawk are just a few of the people who offer their insight into the hero's journey.On a technical level, the film is beautiful. The cinematography is breath-taking. Each shot was clearly calculated and executed. For a documentary, the resolution is astounding. So it was aesthetically pleasing to watch "Finding Joe." The running metaphor of a separate narrative was also very clever and well-executed. On a more personal level, I really connected with the film and its message. It's one of those movies that ignites epiphanies, because everyone can relate to the film's concept. All of the speakers in the film act as mentors and the audience members are mentees. The people in the film expand on Joseph Campbell's philosophies and in doing so relay the message that everyone needs to hear: "Follow your bliss." Joseph Campbell was an extraordinary man who continues to inspire people and, with the help of this documentary, will continue to inspire people.