Review: Joe Crist (2024)

In the past, when it has come to comedy and faith, it is usually faith that ends up being a butt of the joke. I have seen a number of independent films recently that have taken a different approach to the genre, portraying faith as part of the joke rather than the victim of it. Joe Crist is one of those films. It tells the story of Joe Crist, a rather successful bounty hunter who has grown in reputation of being a badass killer over the past three years. When he shows up in town to visit an old friend, he takes a job to track down a missing girl. While looking into it, Crist is shot and put in a coma. When he awakens forty days later, he discovers he has a divine power. With his new powers, Crist saves people from the icy grip of death and delivers justice to the vicious gang that controls the town with fear and violence.

Director Mark Allen Michaels manages to make Joe Crist a funny, lighthearted western that involves faith -elements without making fun of the faith itself. The idea of a bounty hunter using his divine powers against evil forces is wrapped in a satirical western skin that many fans of the genre will enjoy. Joe wonderfully played by Dallas Valdez. There is definitely a Clint Eastwood spirit in this character, the gruff voice and the steely-eyed look is definitely there. Unlike “The Man With No Name”. Valdez has a grin curled around the corners of his mouth letting you know that not only is he having fun but what type of film you are in for. I loved the gimmick Joe had of always taking the clothing from his bounties if he found their clothes more appealing than what he had on. This was done just enough times to make me laugh out loud without it overstaying its welcome. Carrie Keagan is Maggie, the local bartender and Joe’s love interest. Joe and Maggie are wonderful together. Valdez and Keagan have an adorable chemistry which helps sell the feelings the two characters have for each other. Del, Joe’s loyal and trusted friend, is played by Curt Lambert. He happily carries most of the comic relief with tossing out one-liners while he carries a drink in his hand everywhere he goes. The rest of the cast is fun to watch as well. Everyone knows what type of film they are making and that fun energy comes through to the audience.

Joe Crist is not a heavy movie by any means. The bad guys do typical western bad guy things but those scenes are handled with a lighter touch. The special effects are serviceable for the type of film this is though they could have cut back on the CGI blood. In some scenes the quality of the effects adds to the humor. There was a rough patch in the dialog in the middle of the film that I wish would have been cleaned up. At one point Del makes a reference to how long Joe has been gone but later in the film that number changes. It might have been done as a gag but it was one of the only jokes that didn’t land for me. This is a very light, non-preachy, breezy western comedy with a fun, talented cast. Those who enjoy westerns will find a lot here to make them smile as will those who enjoy faith themed movies, if they don’t mind the violence. While it may not be for everyone, I think it’s overall positive spirit makes it worth an hour of your time.