Reviews of Jack Goes Boating
Displaying all 2 reviews
Byron Brubaker
9Nov10
Reminded me of the 50’s movie Marty with Ernest Borgnine, that is with the Off Broadway edginess of drugs and sexual discovery thrown in. Hoffman as Jack works with Ortiz as Clyde. Ryan as Connie works with Rubin-Vega as Lucy. Clyde and Lucy set Jack and Connie up. Just as Jack and Connie’s relationship begins to bloom the other couple’s marriage begins to head downhill. Jack is an easy going guy with dreads and an affinity for music with a good vibe, namely reggae tracks. The soundtrack of the movie is filled with various tunes all with good vibes. Jack is a middle aged guy who wishes to learn to cook and swim in order to please Connie. Amy Ryan outshines Philip Seymour Hoffman’s performance at times in acting out their courtship. Toward the end I found it disturbing with the casual drug use, but the final shots of the new couple are sweet. It is a feel good romance.
- Currently 3.0/5 Stars.
Brandon Isaacson
28Jan10
I cried I cried I cried. I saw 14 films at Sundance, this is my favorite. Why? Well it elicited the strongest reaction and best overall experience. First of all the descriptions I had read did not lead me to believe this was going to be like it actually was. This is a serious film about relationships (sort of) with small bits of humor for comic relief (which are hilarious). It is a film about loneliness, fear, insecurity, but most importantly the looming fear of entering a relationship when you see so many others falling apart. I’d say this film’s message on that particular subject is very much like Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. It’s really scary to enter a relationship because it’s (almost) inevitable that you will eventually lose interest with each other, start seeing flaws, and make mistakes. I can’t say this film is as good as that one but it’s certainly one to see. This is not Hoffman’s movie. This is a film that he steered but it thrives on a communal effort from every single person who worked on it. The ensemble acting is absolutely A+ as are the costumes, the cinematography, the writing, and yes even the directing. Don’t approach this as the next Phillip Seymour Hoffman movie, approach it as a play-style ensemble focused film about relationships.
- Currently 5.0/5 Stars.