Joost: Truveo on steroids, side-effects and all.

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It’s been a while since I reviewed a free app, but when I heard that Joost had gotten over a million downloads, I realized: the time had come.

I love video. It’s what I do, it’s what I watch, it’s how I live. Until this site started, I did absolutely nothing except shoot, edit, and watch video and movies.

Damn, yet another app with no "Delicious Sandwiches" category.

So, when I heard that a “Hulu-like” application was coming to the iPhone OS, I was stoked. I’d enjoyed Truveo (with a few caveats) and UStream, and thought–and still think–that video delivery was an awesome application of the iPhone’s internet capabilities.

Opening Joost, I was encouraged. The interface was professional looking, and with an entire toolbar across the bottom of different categorizations of media, I knew the app had its shiznit together when it came to categorization (which can be a huge problem for this type of app). I went to browse and was even more excited to find categories like “Film” and “Shows”.

“What movies?!” I screamed to myself. ”Which shows?!?”

Clicking into film, I found numerous exciting subcategories like “Action” and “Documentary”. Oh, goody goody! Geek out is what I did.

I was going to make fun of The O.C. being a pick, but then I saw the John Legend video, downloaded this app, and watched the clip. True story.

In Action, I found a movie I wanted to see. Harrison Ford in the immortal classic Air Force One. Sold. Click.

Loading. I stare at a cool “j” graphic for a good ten seconds. My wifi network is reasonably fast. ”What’s going on?” I thought to myself.

And then the bombshell. ”This movie could not be played.” No explanation, no apology, no suggestions. Just a big “eff you” with an obligatory “OK” button.

Really? JUMANJI is unavailable?

I caved and went to the “Recommended” sections. Most played. The video quality ain’t great, but it is passable for a first go-round of a content delivery program. Navigation is good, and graphics are great.

Let’s hope they fix this one big issue. Because this app could easily become a must-have, especially if they end up actually serving up all the content they say they have.