Actor Frank Whaley (SWIMMING WITH SHARKS) makes his writing/directing debut with this unflinching, loosely autobiographical look at Joe Henry (Noah Fleiss), a sensitive but tough working class kid who struggles valiantly to survive the colossal road blocks fate has placed in his path. The star-studded cast features Val Kilmer as Joe''s drunken, abusive father, John Leguizamo as a cynical busboy at the local greasy spoon, Karen Young as Joe''s burnt-out mom and Ethan Hawke as his inept guidance counselor. With shattering honesty and unforgettable characters, JOE THE KING will command a permanent place in your heart.