I watched this movie on ESPN Classic on Christmas day. I had never seen it before, and knew it was going to be sad. Because I knew what to expect however, I had just a few tears. The movie is classic 70's biography, the music, editing etc.. They just have that certain style. The story is a touching as they come. The Cappelletti family were extraordinary people. The kind of folks anyone would like to meet. The relationship between John and Joey, was special, and not the kind most siblings have. But of course the circumstances here, were anything but normal. I enjoy films about football very much, but the football is secondary here. Thats okay, it still tells you about one of the greatest players ever in college football. Most of all, you admire the extraordinary bravery of a young boy, who faces a terminal illness. He, his brother, and the story of the entire family will lift you, and inspire you. It is worth the tears.
8 Reviews
Movies that make us cry
imbluzclooby27 November 2005
The true story of Hiesman Trophy winner John Cappeletti and the touching relationship between his younger brother Joey pulls all the strings to jerk our tears and break our heart. This is a humble TV movie that intends to be more of a study of a brotherly bond rather than a study in Luekemia. Although it succeeds in both. It's a beautiful story that somehow was forgotten as a movie. It's well acted and well cast. These tearjerkers of the 70's were done so well. There was the element of cliché and certain scenes were just designed to tear our hearts, but it all worked. Worth seeing if you want to cleanse your eyeballs.
An extraordinarily moving story about familial love
jjnxn-12 April 2014
Incredibly moving version of football legend John Cappelletti's family struggles and strengths while living with youngest brother/son Joey's leukemia ordeal.
Far more than a disease of the week movie not just because of the power of the story but also the talent of the people telling the story. Marc Singer as John has never been better than he is in this. If you're only familiar from his Beastmaster appearances and other B-level films he's a revelation. Matching his fine work is Jeff Lynas as Joey as well Linda Kelsey as his sister-in-law who narrates the story and in small roles a just starting out Steve Guttenberg and Kathleen Beller.
The real power of the story aside from the bond between the brothers is the award worthy work of Gerald O'Loughlin and Geraldine Page as the brood's parents. O'Loughlin is full of gruff but kind patience and understanding but it is Gerry Page as the glue that holds the family together that will tear at your heart. She is never less than faultless and there are several silent moments when she offers some of the most beautifully simple but absolutely true human moments ever filmed. A real chance to see a master ply her craft.
The final scene could make a stone cry. A classic example of how good television could be when the proper elements are assembled.
Far more than a disease of the week movie not just because of the power of the story but also the talent of the people telling the story. Marc Singer as John has never been better than he is in this. If you're only familiar from his Beastmaster appearances and other B-level films he's a revelation. Matching his fine work is Jeff Lynas as Joey as well Linda Kelsey as his sister-in-law who narrates the story and in small roles a just starting out Steve Guttenberg and Kathleen Beller.
The real power of the story aside from the bond between the brothers is the award worthy work of Gerald O'Loughlin and Geraldine Page as the brood's parents. O'Loughlin is full of gruff but kind patience and understanding but it is Gerry Page as the glue that holds the family together that will tear at your heart. She is never less than faultless and there are several silent moments when she offers some of the most beautifully simple but absolutely true human moments ever filmed. A real chance to see a master ply her craft.
The final scene could make a stone cry. A classic example of how good television could be when the proper elements are assembled.
Very moving
tpotts-211 December 2007
I remember as a child of 10 years watching this movie. It was the first movie that really made me cry. This movie is a true inspiration. This movie can make you really appreciate life. Joey was truly lucky to have his big brother John, as was John to have Joey. The way the two inspired each other is remarkable. I would really like to find this movie and see it again. If you like movies that make you laugh, cry, and and everything in between you will like this one. I am sure for the rest of my life and for anyone who saw the movie, hearing the name John Cappeletti will always remind me of "Something For Joey". This movie should be released on DVD if it already hasn't. Great Movie. Bring you tissue this movie is a real tear jerker.
Detailed and touching portrayal of family dynamics
Gordon-1117 May 2007
This film is about the family interaction after a boy is found to have leukaemia.
It is particularly striking that this film is able to detail the human emotions, and the bond between brothers so well. It portrays John and Joey as an inseparable pair of siblings, and they would do anything to make each other happy. John agrees to do the unachievable to make Joey happy, and this strive for success inspired by another person is something that is touching and remarkable. For a moment, I worried about sibling rivalry between John and joey due to the difference in ability, but fortunately this does not happen. The joy of the family when Joey walks again is so real and convincing. Of course, the final scene is so touching that sends me to tears.
It has a simple plot, but it is so effective in provoking feelings. It is so real, so human and it portrays something that is so close to our hearts.
It is particularly striking that this film is able to detail the human emotions, and the bond between brothers so well. It portrays John and Joey as an inseparable pair of siblings, and they would do anything to make each other happy. John agrees to do the unachievable to make Joey happy, and this strive for success inspired by another person is something that is touching and remarkable. For a moment, I worried about sibling rivalry between John and joey due to the difference in ability, but fortunately this does not happen. The joy of the family when Joey walks again is so real and convincing. Of course, the final scene is so touching that sends me to tears.
It has a simple plot, but it is so effective in provoking feelings. It is so real, so human and it portrays something that is so close to our hearts.
Great movie and great book
christy-6350226 June 2021
My recollection of Something for Joey
icrobledo515 January 2007
The first time I saw something for Joey as a child. As I recall this movie made me cry, laugh, and take deep breaths in hopes of a miracle. I have never seen such a movie that has had such an impact on my life. I remember seeing this movie an not moving from the set. I have been searching for it sense then and have not found it. I have written to T.V. stations requesting that it be played and have had no success. Something for Joey is a reality for so many of us. I wish that this movie would show on air once again so I can see it and show it to my children. You cannot imagine the happiness this site has given me to once again see the two brothers embrace and showing their love for each other in their time of need.
A touching Football tale
earth46011 March 2002
The film was one of the "sentimental tear jerkers" of the late 70's. The story follows the relationship between Penn State football player John Cappelletti and his younger brother Joey who is dying of cancer. The scenes capture the realism of the moment and take you on a trip one would wish no parent or sibling to have to endure. As I have not seen this film lately getting a copy is near impossible as it has been discontinued. The book is still available and is a great read. If you like this film you will like Brian's song (1971) remake (2001) and Love Story (1970)
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