It’s hard to deny the fact that Phillip Seymour Hoffman is one of the top performers working in Hollywood today. He absolutely nails it every single time he’s on screen. His characters are always memorable and he carries about him a presence that few leading (or supporting) actors can claim. So with this in mind, of course Jack Goes Boating is one of my more anticipated films to be released this year. Beyond Hoffman playing one of the leads, this will be his first attempt sitting behind the camera in the director’s chair. So yes, fans will get their first glimpse of Hoffman’s directorial debut this weekend as the film premiers at Sundance.
Though no trailer officially exists for the film, a couple of short clips from the movie have been dug up. It showcases the chemistry between the two lead couples and I have to say, early gut feeling on this one is positive. I’ve enjoyed seeing John Ortiz in just about everything since his awesome villain role in Miami Vice for which he might’ve been easily type cast. This movie will hopefully cure him of that potential threat. Also, I’ve not seen a whole lot of Amy Ryan since her great performance in 2007′s Gone Baby, Gone; so it will be nice to catch up with her.
Synopsis:
Jack Goes Boating is a tale of love, betrayal, friendship and grace centered around two working-class New York City couples. Bob Glaudini (”A View From 151st Street”) adapted his acclaimed Off Broadway play for the screen. Jack (Philip Seymour Hoffman) and Connie (Amy Ryan) are two single people who on their own might continue to recede into the anonymous background of the city, but in each other begin to find the courage and desire to pursue their budding relationship. In contrast, the couple that introduced them, Clyde (John Ortiz) and Lucy (Daphne Rubin-Vega), are confronting unresolved issues in their marriage. Jack is a limo driver with vague dreams of landing a job with the MTA and an obsession with reggae that has prompted him to begin a half-hearted attempt at growing dreadlocks. He spends most of his time hanging out with his best friend and fellow driver Clyde and Clyde’s wife Lucy. t as Jack and Connie cautiously circle commitment, Clyde and Lucy’s marriage begins to disintegrate. From there, we watch as each couple comes face to face with the inevitable path of their relationship.
