Jesus, Mary and Joey (2006)

Jesus, Mary and Joey Poster

Twenty-something and aimless, Joey Vitello still lives at home with his colorful Italian-American family when he is reunited with a childhood schoolmate, Mary O'Callahan. Once mocked as 'Scary Mary' this ugly duckling has blossomed into an irresistible beauty. She's returned to the old neighborhood after an intense bout with cancer. When Joey learns her cure was the result of a miracle, friendship turns to romance as she educates him on the crossroads to the Almighty. Joey challenges his family's faith with his new found revelations and chaos ensues as they all search for a miracle of their own.

Film Overview
"Jesus, Mary and Joey", also called "Welcome Back Miss Mary", is a charmingly comedic American movie launched in 2006 starring Vincent Pagano, Marley Shelton, and Jennifer Esposito. The film was composed by Vincent Pagano and directed by James Quattrochi. This independent love comedy checks out the characteristics of an Italian American family and the intricacies provided by love, commitment, and faith.

Plot Summary
Joey Vitello (Vincent Pagano), is a funny, affable person who learns life lessons against the backdrop of his tight-knit, Italian-American Catholic household. Despite his age, Joey is a character who seems to have never ever truly matured. This movie focuses on Joey transitioning from a naive, directionless kid to a more mature and fixed character.

Frank (Jason Gedrick), Joey's older sibling, brings house his pregnant sweetheart, Madeline (Marley Shelton), to fulfill his Catholic family. Nevertheless, family matriarch Grandma (Teresa Maria Ganzel) is not impressed due to the non-traditional situations. Grandma and her three children start to plan an immediate wedding to prevent the shame of an out-of-wedlock child in their family.

Joey falls head over heels for Madeline, causing a distinct love triangle. There are lots of moments of hilarity occurring from misunderstandings and Joey's innocent attempts at pursuing Madeline. In the middle of this awkward love triangle, Joey's ex-girlfriend, Mary (Jennifer Esposito) comes back into his life, making complex matters even more.

Themes
Through its plot, the film checks out styles of love, commitment, faith, and familial pressure. Laced with humor and wholehearted moments, the characters browse through their multifaceted bonds and personal growth. Joey's journey of self-awareness and maturity forms the crux of the film.

Cast and Characters
The cast includes Vincent Pagano as Joey, the innocent and pleasant lead character whose journey forms the pivot of the story. Marley Shelton essays the function of Madeline, Frank's pregnant sweetheart who unsuspectingly becomes the things of Joey's love. Jason Gedrick plays Frank, Joey's sibling, while Grammy-winning starlet Jennifer Esposito portrays Joey's ex-girlfriend Mary.

In addition, Olympia Dukakis, Charles Durning, Stacy Keach, and more lend skill to the ensemble cast as the quirky Vitello member of the family.

Crucial Reception
"Jesus, Mary and Joey" provides a wholehearted portrayal of a family's trials and tribulations, eliciting tears and laughter in equivalent procedure. The movie was applauded for its comical timing and relatable storytelling style. The cast has been admired for their nuanced efficiencies, especially Pagano and Esposito.

In conclusion, "Jesus, Mary and Joey" is a satisfying, lighthearted comedy that checks out the complexities of love and household dynamics within a Catholic Italian-American family, offering an interesting, amusing, and touching cinematic experience. Regardless of some unpleasant moments and awkward misconceptions, the film eventually sends out a message of love, growth, and acceptance.

Top Cast

  • Vincent Pagano
    Joey Vitello
  • Marley Shelton (small)
    Marley Shelton
    Mary O`Callahan
  • Jennifer Esposito (small)
    Jennifer Esposito
    Frankie Vitello
  • Olympia Dukakis (small)
    Olympia Dukakis
    Sophia Vitello
  • Jason Gedrick (small)
    Jason Gedrick
    Tony Cappucino
  • Stacy Keach (small)
    Stacy Keach
    Jack O`Callahan
  • Tess Harper (small)
    Tess Harper
    Liz O`Callahan
  • Judith Scarpone (small)
    Judith Scarpone
    Angelina Vitello
  • John Capodice (small)
    John Capodice
    Joey Vitello Sr.
  • Mike Pagano
    Mikey Vitello
  • Dan Lauria (small)
    Dan Lauria
    Father Gino