_Killer Joe_ seemed poised to become a truly exceptional film, but issues with the script’s development prevent it from reaching its full potential. I found much of the narrative effective in terms of its themes and how the story unfolds. The initial concept and the sense of danger present were engaging, yet writer Tracy Letts seems to have approached the material with the sensibility of a young person indulging i…

William Friedkin delivers a trailer trash neo-noir with a touch of Southern flavor. Killer Joe is directed by William Friedkin and written by Tracy Letts, based on his play of the same name. The film features Matthew McConaughey, Emile Hirsch, Juno Temple, Thomas Haden Church, and Gina Gershon. Tyler Bates composed the music, and Caleb Deschanel handled the cinematography. The story centers around Chris Smith (Hir…

While Killer Joe does improve over its running time, it marks the initial Friedkin film that hasn't fully resonated with me. Final rating: ★★½ - There was much I found appealing about it, but ultimately it didn’t succeed entirely.