Craigslist Joe (2012) Reviews

• Put Me Back on Track

  lorriebeauchamp2012-12-28

  We need more of this type of average-Joe content, although this Joe is far from average. As I watched this tender and inspiring documentary, I realized how cowardly we have all become by ingesting so many fear-based stories from the media and Hollywood alike. We don't trust each other anymore, and our default button is set on "be suspicious", which is really too bad. Joseph Garner is a modern hero. He shows admirable tolerance, an ability to suspend judgement, and the compassion of someone whose ego hasn't replaced his heart. I laughed, I cried, I felt so inspired by the end of this movie that I wanted to go out in the street and start hugging people. I have grown too cynical, and Joseph Garner reminded me that cynicism is a dangerous stance, putting our own humanity at risk. We can't turn on each other, or isolate ourselves, without suffering huge repercussions on a global basis. As we move into the next year, may we all find it in our hearts to be more open to strangers, to reach out with help when we can, and certainly to embrace community whenever and wherever we find it.

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• No fuss, no effects. Just people being GREAT people.

  jennmillerla2012-08-04

  Watching this left me wanting to give Joe a big hug! Ha, aside from how amazing random strangers were I love that their are people like you - Joe. That have the right kind of crazy and honest passion for the weird and wonderful people we share this world with. Feel inspired and truly blessed with the wonderful people I do have in my life. But seeing strangers putting themselves out there to help another fellow human being left me feeling happy, excited, emotional and restored faith in our chaotic world we've created.... Ineeded that. Made my day! Thank you x

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• People are overwhelmingly trustworthy and generous

  tashi-herzmark2012-10-30

  Craigslist Joe demonstrates to all those who doubt the basic goodness of human beings that each and every one of us possesses beauty and a fundamental dignity. The films characters and their interactions pass as at least exceptionally genuine and not a moment of camp or scripting was evident and this with the ordinariness of the content gives it it's power. The subject matter, alienation and the vanishing of real community (in the U.S. and the industrialized world at large), born by distrust and distraction, is eminently relevant and the film works very well by instead of bemoaning the fact showing the conditions for healing. I hope that you can watch this movie and see what is missing in your life, and perhaps rate this free of cynicism. Cheers and jolly good luck; the Elites may have all the wealth but we've certainly got the numbers.

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• Pretty awesome, really enjoyed it! :)

  skattyus-211-250822012-11-03

  I felt like there may have been a Heisenberg factor throughout the show, that is the fact that people are aware that a camera could be recording them so perhaps they would act differently (I would suspect they'd be nicer)? Nevertheless, overall it was a very intriguing, honest and perspective altering show frankly. I mean people really did offer to do things without knowing that he was writing a documentary. I think I liked this documentary so much because it was more of an experiment for a given hypothesis rather than an investigation trying to convince you of something. I guess it was trying to convince me that there is good in the world and well it pretty much worked! That doesn't mean tomorrow I am going to go on Craigslist and do what he did, but I think there was something valuable to take away? :)

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• Makes You Feel Optimistic About Humanity

  politically_incorrect2042013-01-16

  While I acknowledge the cynical points by some about this film I don't think it should discredit it and certainly shouldn't discredit it's intention. Yes I suppose the camera could have influenced people's decisions and their treatment of Joe. But we can't prove that and I honestly feel like most of these people came across as rather genuine. Would they have been AS altruistic without the camera? Perhaps, perhaps not. But I still think they would've tried to help. Regardless I still think the film had some great moments and told some great stories about people and about humanity. I refuse to look at this film through such a cynical filter that all I can do is pick it apart. As someone who believes in the power of Craigslist and people's general humanity and compassion for each other I found the film very enjoyable and even uplifting at times, but perhaps that's just my optimism.

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