that, as a guy, it's important for Joe to learn to fight and to at least show up. No, Joe didn't need to beat the snot out of Mark to be a good man--he already was one--but a guy can't back down from challenges. I think that Joe, by showing up and being ready to fight if needed, ended up handling it the best way he could have. And he got a very cute lady--as well as new sartorial skills--to boot!

this really excellent movie about not being afraid to stand up for yourself to any Tim Allen fan who hasn't seen it. You're in for lots of laughter, so go to the video store, rent it or buy it, kick back with a friend, and watch it.

score than 5.5

actress help both her parents and emerge healthier for it. Tim Allen and his silliness provided delightful needed levity.

that fades on "Bring Your Daughter To Work Day" when he is slapped around the parking lot by Mark McKinney Patrick Warburton , who is the company bully. Joe, feeling humiliated for being beaten up in front of his daughter, vows revenge. So he begins taking Karate lessons from a washed-up martial arts star James Belushi to get ready for a rematch against McKinney. "Joe Somebody" basically has all of the qualities of some sort of kids movie, except it has adult characters. I think that it is really easy to connect with Joe because just about anyone could relate to his situation. I'm sure anyone at one time in their life has had to deal with a bully, though I'm not sure about what lengths a person would go to contend with the situation.I don't think you can call "Joe Somebody" a kids movie however, as it does have a lot profanity for a family film, but nothing too explicit is heard. This movie does have one important message: Fighting doesn't solve anything, despite what goes on in the film. 9/10

This is light, feel-good entertainment that doesn't require a lot of thought, but doesn't preach to you either. It's something the family can enjoy and I think this is exactly what Tim Allen, Julie Bowen, Kelly Lunch and the entire crew involved were shooting for when they made this.

*Becoming popular by being willing to beat up someone whoeveryone else wants beat up. At the same time, even before thefight, it was about building self-confidence by those expecting youto do something. It's what would happen after you do or don't do itthat is left unanswered. *Crowding around the schoolyard to watch the fight. As with "theA/V guy" comment, the symbolism is something to consider.Coming from the ranks of nerds as I do, this movie had a lot forme. It occasionally came too close to home, but there wasenough humor to keep it at a safe distance. Overall, it was adecent movie, of course with a happy ending, which is more thancan be said for many people in real life. I think that may be themost unbelievable part of all, but this is Hollywood here. On the other hand, it can be seen as very pessimistic commentaryon life: If you're a loser, a nerd, stuck where you never expected tobe, you really don't have a way out unless something badhappens. Bullies may be punished, but the authorities can'trestore your dignity. And even when good things begin to happen,you must watch for ulterior motives. Joe didn't get promoted for hiswork, he got promoted so he wouldn't sue. Although suing maybe the 'civilized' thing to do, with the only fighting done by lawyers,that just seems stupid at times. And that is a lesson pessimistslike myself will find in this movie.And be sure to catch the side effects of those drugs you're taking.

entertainment is an interesting question. The major critics also almost universally missed this boat. Roger Ebert apparently thinks Allen worked for a marketing agency in the movie. No, Roger, it was a pharmaceuticals company, and the lead in Grand Canyon wasn't an accountant either, he was an immigration lawyer. Thanks for paying attention before influencing millions, though . In any case, if you want crude jokes and hate genuine feeling, intelligent writing, and dignified humor, well, there are plenty of movies out there for you. This ain't one of them, thank God . To answer one complaint here, there are at least a few memorable laugh-out loud jokes here and numerous moments that make you smile . For example, the encounter with the mannequin is funny. The conference call with Mckinney is funny. Frankly, many parts of the initial encounter with the bully are funny. But what really sets this movie apart is the authenticity--and characterization--of its characters, the feeling it inspires, and the performances by Bowen as Meg, the girl who plays Joe's daughter, and Allen himself. No, Joe isn't a stereotypical nerd, and maybe he doesn't even change that much, but in today's society, you don't have to be a nerd to get into unfortunate situations just look at the indifference and negativity toward a feel-good movie from the people we live with everyday . And change and unpredictability aren't required for a movie to be worthwhile. Make me feel good, make me laugh, make me smile, move me, honor values that are lasting and good. That will often do the trick just fine, and it does here.