Joe vs. the Volcano will have you erupting with laughter one minute, and have tears streaming down your face the next! This off-beat comedy is the first time that Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan graced the silver-screen together. The magnificent chemistry they created in this life-affirming film, would leave audiences begging for more. Thank God Hollywood provided us withseveral more movies starring this adorable couple. I just can't get enough!

Tom Hanks plays Joseph Banks, a hypochondriac who's basement office job is sucking the life out of him. Joe's continual visits to the doctor's office reveals he is suffering from a terminal "Brain Cloud." Shortly after Joe's diagnosis he is visited by a rich businessman, played by the loveable Lloyd Bridges, who makes Joe a fateful proposition; to live the rest of his short life like a king and go out like a man by jumping into a volcano! The down and out Joseph Banks is transformed into a hero, journeying into the unknown. Hanks is able to achieve this stunning metamorphoses through an often over-looked acting technique; the cutting off of the mullet. Brilliant! This is arguably Hank's best performance.

Tommy boy is not the only actor to showcase tremendous range, however, as we have Meg Ryan playing not one, not two, but three caricatures, each one more impressive than the last. Her chameleon like acting is unparalleled! Ryan is able to play a blond, a brunet, and a red head flawlessly. The fact that she was not considered for an Oscar for her work in this film boggles the mind. Joe vs. the Volcano uses subtle symbolism to drive home it's valuable lessons: life is a hard, long and crooked road that we all must trudge, but if we are lucky enough we may find our own personal volcano and jump in.

Hamlin Grade: 3.5

Mr. Facetious