Genre: Family, Drama
Runtime: 1h 50m
Release Date: October 10, 2024 (United States)
Director: Harold Cronk
Writer: Stephanie Katz
Production Companies: GND Media Group, Provisions Film Supply
Story
The moving tale of Joe, a devoted Marine who returns to civilian life and discovers fulfillment as a high school football coach, is told in “Average Joe.” Joe helps his players learn more than just the game as he becomes a mentor to them in this small town where values and beliefs are deeply ingrained. When the school’s religious freedom and freedom of speech are threatened, Joe takes a fearless legal stance to protect his community’s and his students’ rights. In order to defend the values he battled for in the military and now maintains in his daily life, Joe must negotiate the complexities of faith, freedom, and the law as tensions rise and legal battles break out. This endearing and thought-provoking movie examines the value of standing up for what is right, the influence one person can have on many lives, and the strength of conviction.
Plot Summary
The story of “Average Joe” centers on Joe Parker (Eric Close), a devoted Marine who has served his country and is now back at home. Joe, who is having difficulty adjusting to life in the real world, accepts a job in his small hometown as a high school football coach. His goal is simple: to help the next generation build character, discipline, and teamwork through sports.
However, when the school’s religious expression policy is questioned, Joe soon finds himself embroiled in a legal dispute. A contentious choice that impacts one of Joe’s players results from the school district’s strict enforcement of the separation of religion and public education, which is overseen by the no-nonsense Head Coach Byron Adams (Paul Rae). Joe takes a strong stand to protect the students’ rights to religious freedom and freedom of speech, refusing to back down.
Joe encounters resistance from a number of sources as hostilities increase, including some of his fellow coaches and district officials like Kerry Shackleton (Nicoye Banks). In an effort to defend the liberties he once battled for abroad, Joe traverses the difficulties of this legal battle with the help of his devoted wife, Denise Kennedy (Amy Acker).
Joe sets out on a journey that will put his courage, faith, and dedication to justice to the test with the aid of a wise town elder named Thomas (David Jensen) and a fellow Marine named Sgt. Martinez (Jimmy Gonzales), who offers Joe unwavering support.
The story of “Average Joe” is ultimately one of perseverance, hope, and the unwavering belief that even one person can make a difference. This is a story that anyone who values the freedoms that define the American spirit can identify with.
Top Cast
Eric Close as Coach
Paul Rae as Head Coach Byron Adams
Austin Woods as Coach (20s)
Amy Acker as Denise Kennedy
Jimmy Gonzales as Sgt Martinez
Anabelle Holloway as Young Denise
David Jensen as Thomas
Lyle Brocato as Joey’s Dad
Ann Mahoney as Joey’s Mom
Exie Booker as Smiling Sam Green
Fabiola Reno as Bar Patron
Andrea Figliomeni as Denise (20s)
Brandon Morales as Steve Ford
Nicoye Banks as Kerry Shackleton
Orlando Eric Street as District Suit
Wyatt Parker as Older Boy
Isaiah Evans as Kid at Family Picnic
Rhonda Johnson Dents as Ms. Roberts