Jack Goes Boating (2010) User Reviews

A surprising mix: gloomy surroundings and "a positive vibe"

[darrhling · 7/10 · 21 May 2011]

Seymour-Hoffman's directorial debut is a well-rounded little film about being positive no matter the circumstances; the possibility of a solution at the end of the tunnel and the value of perseverance.

Jack Goes Boating relates the tale of four people whose stories are wound together. The premise is simple: one couple throwing a blind date for the other two parties. From this seemingly basic starting point, the characters undergo transformations, all of which are sprinkled with life-lessons and positive philosophy, all the more poignant for its stark backdrop of lower-middle class life. In this sense, there is a feel of La Vita è Bella about it, although admittedly Jack Goes Boating is not quite in the same league as the former.

Phillip Seymour-Hoffman pulls off some typically sensational acting, as does Amy Ryan, with a complicated emotional role which she executes very well indeed.

All in all, a high-class film, totally worth watching, but not something that leaves you with the feeling it ought to have won Best Picture.

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Rivers of Babylon

[ferguson-6 · 7/10 · 2 October 2010]

Greetings again from the darkness. We all recognize the genius of Philip Seymour Hoffman the actor. This gives us one more example of his immense talent, but also puts his eye as a first time director on display. Not surprisingly, he comes through extremely well.

Based on the play by Bob Glaudini, three of the four main characters reprise their role from the stage production. Mr. Hoffman as Jack, John Ortiz as Clyde and Daphne Rubin-Vega as Clyde's wife, Lucy. The newcomer is the fantastic Amy Ryan ("The Office")as Connie. Jack and Clyde work together as limo drivers. Lucy and Connie work together for some odd funeral home specialist who markets some type of unexplained program.

All that really matters is that Clyde and Lucy arrange to have Connie and Jack meet. The apparent reason is that neither of them have any friends or social skills. What we then learn is that all four of these people are fractured. Scene after scene shows off the power of friendship and/or the faulty side of on-the-job relationship therapy borough about by cheating and secrets.

For the most part, the film has the feel of a stage production and moves very slowly as these type of people would. There are moments where individual weakness gives way to outbursts of emotions - and not all in a positive way. What is clear is that they each want the best for each other, but have no real feel for what's best for themselves.

I thought the film made some excellent points, but I was a bit disappointed in the hookah scene. That was the only scene that went too far and my guess is it worked better on stage. On the bright side, there are some tender, poignant moments and the acting is truly superb throughout the film. It is obvious that these four actors care very much for the story and these characters.

Not bad for a first time effort. Not bad at all.

[lewiskendell · 7/10 · 18 February 2011]

"You've never been in a relationship for any length of time. A lot happens."

Jack Goes Boating is a raw, hard to categorize directorial debut for Philip Seymour Hoffman, adapted from the play of the same title. 

I guess if I had to assign it a genre, it would be indie drama. The story follows the hesitantly blossoming relationship between Jack (Hoffman) and Connie (Amy Ryan), and the rocky, established relationship of their friends Clyde (John Ortiz) and Lucy (Daphne Rubin-Vega). 

Jack Goes Boating reminded me of Two Lovers in some ways. It involves flawed people making decisions that aren't always the wisest ones, and dealing with things in their past that make their current relationships more difficult. 

Don't expect this to be romantic or cutesy, it attempts to go for the "realistic" angle, with all the problems and realities that come with real adult relationships. That's derailed a bit by the occasionally awkward dialogue and characters that aren't really as fleshed out as they needed to be. We don't get much of a sense of who they used to be or what their past was like, and that would have added to the movie immensely. It's somewhat difficult to put into context the characters as they are now, without that information.  

Still, I think this was a pretty decent debut from Hoffman. He's clearly in the process of learning what works from the other side of the camera, and it's puzzling why they didn't adjust the odd, romance novel-like dialogue in some places, but overall, Jack Goes Boating hints at a promising future. There are some poignant moments that really stuck out, to me. Fans of Hoffman and Ryan (count me as both) should check it out.

After a blind date Jack tries to prove how much he likes Connie. Un-original idea, great acting carries it. I say B-.

[cosmo_tiger · 6/10 · 15 January 2011]

After being set up on a blind date by his friends, Jack (Hoffman) promises to take Connie (Ryan) boating. Jack then begins to do everything he can to prove how much he like Connie. There are movies that come out that are 99% special effects and 1% acting, some are good but no matter who plays the parts it doesn't affect the movie. This one is the opposite. The story itself is one that has been done 1,000 times. A married couple sets up two awkward people and they start to fall in love while the original couple is splitting up. I know we've all seen that over and over, but the acting in this one makes it seem fresh and new. The story itself is very slow moving and basic, but the acting of all 4 main actors are what keeps you watching the movie. This is the definition of a character driven movie, the acting in the scene where Jack burns dinner is worth watching the movie for by itself. The movie is probably a C- but when the acting is taken into account it raises the level of the film. I say B-.

Beginning/end of relationships

[artigao · 13 July 2011]

Perhaps the best way to watch Seymour's movie is without knowing a word about it as I did, and being enchanted by the magic on this film filled with the lights and shadows that can be found in two love parallel stories. Four characters played deeply by all the actors/actresses that carry you to the cold and meaningless streets of any big city where any story can develop to show you that we are still human and in any corner you have feelings and emotions. Beautiful screenplay where you follow the characters growing,applying the quote that the only normal people are the ones you do not know very well (Frédérick Jézégou). Perhaps being mature when you start a relationship means you can see around to other's mistakes trying to avoid them. Although not quite sure if you will finally behave in the same way. Brilliant film worth to see and being surprised by big Philip Seymour who should have a whole shelf in his house filled with Oscars.

Hoffman goes directing in this 'PUNCH DRUNK LOVE' homage.

[Hellmant · 7/10 · 31 January 2011]

'JACK GOES BOATING': Three and a Half Stars (Out of Five)

Philip Seymour Hoffman makes his directorial debut directing this film adaptation of the 2007 New York play he starred in. He and two of the three other lead stage actors (John Ortiz and Daphne Rubin-Vega) have returned to reprise their roles in the film, with actress Amy Ryan filling out the ensemble cast (replacing Beth Cole). Hoffman replaces Peter Dubois as director and makes a very impressive film making splash. Actor Robert Glaudini wrote the screenplay, adapting his play.

Hoffman plays Jack, a socially awkward but very sweet limo driver who's never had much if any experience with women or been in a relationship. Ortiz plays his co-worker and best friend Clyde and Rubin-Vega plays Clyde's long time girlfriend Lucy. The two set Jack up on a blind date with Lucy's new co-worker Connie (Ryan), a quirky and offbeat character that immediately takes a liking to Jack. It turns out as we soon find out that Clyde and Lucy have been having serious relationship problems for some time and take it upon themselves to devote a great deal of time to helping their best friend Jack with his new found love instead of working on their own.

The film is very slow paced, and seems aimless at times, and the story is almost non existent. It is a great character study though and the acting is all outstanding. Hoffman is of course amazing and Ryan is equally as wonderful. Ortiz and Rubin-Vega are more than adequate as well. The movie is obviously an actor's movie, being that it comes from a play that seems obvious, but Hoffman's directing adds a very powerful and unique touch as well. I really liked his character too and found him pretty relatable. The film shows a very strong and striking resemblance to one of my all time favorite films 'PUNCH DRUNK LOVE' (which Hoffman also co-starred in) but it's not nearly as well thought out and effective. Despite it's flaws it's still a memorable and unique film and worth the watch.

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Phillip Seymour Hoffman's Directorial Debut Shows Great Character Development

[FilmRap · 7/10 · 10 June 2010]

It is not surprising that when Academy award winning actor Philip Seymour Hoffman decides to direct his first movie in which he will also star, he chooses a script with great depth and character development. This movie is about two couples and each of their relationships. In the case of Jack and Connie ( Phillip Seymour Hoffman and Amy Ryan) we see the construction of their chemistry and how they make an endearing connection. In the case of the other couple Clyde and Lucy (John Ortiz and Daphne Rubin-Vega) we see the deconstruction of their relationship as it slowly but surely falls apart although the dynamics for the breakup are not as clear as the mutual attraction of Jack and Connie. The screenplay by Bob Glaudini was originally produced on the stage by Hoffman's Theater Company and was very well received with all but Ryan playing the same roles as in the movie although the storyline was slightly different.We can imagine that this story focusing on these four characters might play better on the stage. It was the talking heads and their words which held the attention and drew the in the audience rather than the few authentic but not really necessary New York City location scenes. The intensity and some of the unraveling which occurs in climatic scene reminded me of that old classic Who is Afraid of Virginia Wolf although time did not fly by as quickly as I recall it did with that play/movie. Also the degree in which drugs were used in this important scene in our judgment wasn't necessary as the characters were strong enough to create the mood and emotions which were needed. The film will be released in the Fall of 2010 and might receive an Oscar nod or two for the acting.

Another American Indie failure

[jjucovy · 3/10 · 28 September 2010]

I am not sure why American "small" films are so alike and so poor and so boring. Like so many indie films made in this country, if a film directed by a major actor qualifies as such, this one manages to combine boring "losers" caught in a mesh of unbelievable situations. The so-called character development is telegraphed from the first moment, the so-called plot twists equally so. There is not a single moment of interesting dialogue to sustain any interest. Compare this film with the excellence of Mademoiselle Chambon or Un Couer en Hiver and one gets a full sense of what is missing from "sensitive" American movies. While the acting is perfectly acceptable, there wasn't any especial range required of the actors either. Hoffman's quiet, inarticulate blandness was a stand-in for any real sense of character.

"Jack Goes Boating" shows off its theatre roots

[napierslogs · 8/10 · 1 October 2010]

"Jack Goes Boating" is a relationship drama. A tale about life, love, romance, marriage, dating and life again. It's about Jack (Philip Seymour Hoffman) a very awkward man whose married friends Clyde and Lucy set him up with Connie (Amy Ryan), a very awkward woman. Connie mentions that she would like to go boating, when the weather warms up. Jack would like that.

The rest of the film is about Jack trying to show Connie that he likes her and hoping that she likes him. Their awkwardness is heartbreaking and real and really sets the stage for watching love grow and eventually going boating. Hoffman and Ryan have a great connection; a very refreshing couple.

The film brings slowness to a whole new level, until things come to a boil. Some scenes really show the theatre roots of this film, and I always love those. There have been a lot of recent well done films based on plays and "Jack Goes Boating" is up there with the best.

There are some very subtle and interesting remarks about what makes a relationship work. It was uplifting but in a very awkward way, but also refreshingly real and ultimately cute. "Jack Goes Boating" is very slow, and adult and raw, but I recommend it.

great debut

[come2whereimfrom · 7/10 · 8 February 2011]

The Doors famously sang 'People are strange' and in Philip Seymour Hoffman's directorial debut they certainly are. Hoffman plays Jack a New York limo driver who is talked into a blind date by his friends Clyde and Lucy with Connie, a seemingly sweet but slightly mental work colleague. We see the four experience everything from the pain of sexual assault to the joys of learning to swim while all the time trying to not unravel their friendship and get overwhelmed by the pressures of life. Hoffman is superb as usual in the lead but also proves himself a dab hand behind the camera, often directing like a play, as most of the action takes place in the one flat. Part drama, part tragedy but also comedy this is a human character study in the vein of Mike Leigh mixed with Todd Solondz (maybe Hoffman was taking notes when they did 'Happiness') and despite its underlying darkness this film has a great heart.

I give up

[ilvevh · 4/10 · 16 June 2011]

I like Phillip and was excited to watch this movie but this is my third time attempting to watch this. I give up. It's so slow and uneventful I just fall asleep or get distracted. An annoying thing about this movie was they played an entire album, didn't even bother to be creative and pick a bunch of artists (until they ran out of songs on the album). It was so consistent with the music it felt like I had a CD playing rather than a movie.

If you are looking for a nice movie to sit down with and enjoy don't bother with this one. Personally I would find writing the word 'Apple' 10,000 times over and over more exciting. Rating: G'ay out of 10

Quiet and unremarkable in a remarkable way...a must see drama

[secondtake · 8/10 · 16 June 2011]

Jack Goes Boating (2010)

Based on Philip Seymour Hoffman's transparent, penetrating performance, this movie will hold up in the future as well as it does now. But I think it will disappear for many years because it doesn't pull off anything sensational. And that's its strength. It's not a subtle movie, and in many ways it's a little too obvious pulling on heartstrings. But maybe that's okay turf for an interpersonal drama.

The tale of two couples who are friends and who are having various hopes and troubles together as both friends a lovers is an old one, but it must be the best of material in some ways because it's the best of material in life, love and friendship. Keeping it focused on two pairs of people is not just movie-making convenience (though it is that, too), but it's the truth of life sometimes, too.

This isn't an edgy story, and in some ways it's so mundane it would seem to totter into boredom. But Hoffman, as Jack, is too sympathetic and convincing to let the movie get away from him. He's a great actor, we all know that, and he's showing he's a good, if not inventive or brilliant, director as well. If there is a conventional structure--set up, hints at conflict, conflict, resolution--there is a restraint and economy to make it all make sense. A strong movie.

And it's impressive now if you're in the right mood, and will be impressive in thirty years, too, if we can keep track of it somehow. I think it is already slowly disappearing from view, so give it a good look.

Slightly Above Average Film, Nothing Really Special

[gavin6942 · 6/10 · 10 January 2011]

A limo driver (Philip Seymour Hoffman) has a blind date with a funeral home employee (Amy Ryan) that sparks a tale of love, betrayal, friendship, and grace centered around two working-class New York City couples. One couple starts awkward and goes up, the other starts solid and goes down.

This is a film not only starring Philip Seymour Hoffman, but his directorial debut. Roger Ebert sums up Hoffman's approach by saying, "He is merciless in using himself as an actor. His face is often seen in close-up, sweaty, splotchy, red as if he suffers from rosacea. He seems to be perpetually blushing. In life, Hoffman's skin is perfectly normal; not every actor would stand for this, but vanity is not one of Hoffman's sins." I agree: Jack looks terrible, but that is precisely the point. A trim, handsome man is not what this film is about.

I went in with lower expectations, due in part to the film being called a "romantic comedy", and also just in general because I tend to review horror films, so I am not the best person to critique other genres. At least, I do not think so. I would say the film met or slightly exceeded my expectations, but it is nothing amazing. If you want a film about dating or awkward people in love, I recommend a Wes Anderson film. This one just seemed to ring hollow for me, like it missed the mark a few times.

The actors all do a fine job, the story is simple but effective. It is actually somewhat sweet. But it did not connect with me. At all. I will most likely never watch the film again and I cannot recommend it to others, unless they are Philip Seymour Hoffman fans. Beyond that section of the population, it just seemed to be a bit empty. I wish I could say otherwise, I want to like the film, but I do not.

Jack Goes Boating

[oOoBarracuda · 3/10 · 24 February 2017]

I really enjoy the output of Philip Seymour Hoffman. I think Hoffman was one of the absolute greatest actors of his generation. Hoffman's death was a huge blow to film lovers worldwide. An interesting note in his career is his sole directorial effort from 2010, Jack Goes Boating. Starring Hoffman himself in the titular role, alongside his love interest Amy Ryan, and John Ortiz as Jack's best friend, Jack Goes Boating tells the very human tale of a group of troubled friends trying to navigate life while living in New York City. It's a story Philip Seymour Hoffman would gravitate towards, a raw look at the emotional makeup and triggers of everyday people. Dealing with difficult people in troubling situations, Jack Goes Boating examines love and life through the eyes of a simple man who doesn't know too much about either subject.

Jack (Philip Seymour Hoffman) is a quiet, incredibly reserved man who keeps to himself and is usually seen wearing headphones listening to the reggae music that relaxes him. Jack drives a limousine for a living and spends most of his time with Clyde (John Ortiz) and Lucy (Daphne Rubin- Vega) when he is not at work. Clyde and Lucy seem to be all Jack has, as he is never seen with, or talking about, any family. Clyde and Lucy feel sympathy towards Jack for having no one else in his life and never experiencing love or being in a relationship, so they set him up on a blind date with Lucy's co-worker, Connie (Amy Ryan). Connie is also a simple, unassuming woman who is incredibly shy. Jack and Connie together, however, are able to encourage each other to find solace within themselves, and break out of their shells a bit and enjoy life. Amidst their budding romance, Jack discovers deep painful secrets in the relationship of Clyde and Lucy. The secrets come out in the open, bringing with them great pain and betrayal that the two are unsure they can overcome. The stark difference of watching one relationship bloom and another crumble, really expose the human element Philip Seymour Hoffman always aspired towards.

Philip Seymour Hoffman is one of those actors that is difficult to watch now that he's passed away. He died so young and unexpectedly, it's so disappointing to think that we'll never again have another Philip Seymour Hoffman performance. As brilliant of an actor as Hoffman was, he faltered as a director. Character development was extremely weak in Jack Goes Boating. Other than their obvious character traits, we never really learn anything about each individual. It was also a bit tough to stomach the film's message that there are expected challenges that accompany relationships and infidelity may be among them. Such a distorted view of relationships may have been more indicative of the director's feelings towards them rather than the intent of the film, making the story of his life a little more difficult to bear. Overall, Jack Goes Boating was a decent directorial effort from a brilliant actor, though it is not a surprise that he directed only one film.

It's awfully boring

[Gordon-11 · 30 January 2011]

This film is a tale of two couples in New York, whose love and betrayal unfold as their friendship progresses.

As a drama about the relationship between four people, you would expect the characters to be interesting, dynamic and simply alive. However, in "Jack Goes Boating", the characters are not sculpted or portrayed in the way that makes you care about them. None of them are interesting or sympathetic. There is little chemistry between the characters, seeing them in one room together is more like them having separate monologues about different topics. There is simply no connection between the characters, also between characters and viewers. The dialogs are bland and boring. The pacing is so slow that almost nothing happens in the 85 minutes of screen time. "Jack Goes Boating" to me is an abysmal failure.

A tale of a middle aged man who discovers how to do things, yet he finds love!

[blanbrn · 7/10 · 9 February 2011]

"Jack Goes Boating" isn't exactly a memorable classic, still it's a film that teaches a lesson and it proves that you don't never get to old to learn and that love is possible, and for some it comes and for some it goes. After watching this film you will see it has plenty of funny moments, yet it entertains by showing the drama of life it proves relationships and love are complex and tough.

It's star(Oscar winner Phillip Seymour Hoffman) who also directed stars as Jack a middle aged guy in New York and he's humble but lonely. As Jack's only thing in life is driving a limo and he spends time with his friends a conflicted couple Clyde(John Ortiz)and Lucy(Daphne Rubin-Vega). And just as life and love is so unproven as Clyde and Lucy think their relationship is unbreakable they set Jack up with one of Lucy's friends Connie(Amy Ryan)a shy sensitive attractive middle aged gal.

Along the way Jack will have to be groomed to do a lot like learning how to cook and he takes up an interest in the water like boating yet he must first learn how to swim! Along the way it's interesting and very surprising to see how the courage and desire of friendship can lead to a commitment. And love as life takes unexpected twist as a gain for one couple is a loss for the other.

Really pretty good picture that teaches always strive for love, and hope as with determination it's possible. You can always make new discoveries and learn anything you want and in the process grow as a person and become more happier.

Philip Seymour Hoffman and Amy Ryan endearing performances

[SnoopyStyle · 6/10 · 5 October 2016]

Jack (Philip Seymour Hoffman) is a limo driver working for his uncle with his friend Clyde. Clyde and his wife Lucy invite Jack and her co-worker Connie (Amy Ryan) to dinner. Connie is socially awkward like Jack. It's winter. After Connie mentions boating, Jack decides to take swimming lessons. She gets attacked on the subway. When Connie mentions that nobody has ever cooked for her, Jack decides to take cooking lessons. Meanwhile, jealousy seeps into Clyde and Lucy's marriage over perceived infidelity. Philip Seymour Hoffman and Amy Ryan are endearing together. There are some good oddball moments. Amy Ryan trying to close a deal while spouting blood is kind of funny. It's a bit clunky at times with Philip Seymour Hoffman trying out directing for the first and only time.

THE CANNOLI

[nogodnomasters · 6/10 · 3 December 2018]

This is a story about a shy nearly socially dysfunctional couple who are fixed up. Jack (Hoffman) is a Limo driver and Connie (Amy Ryan) works as a telemarketer for a funeral director. She thinks every man who places a hand on her arm is attempting to come on to her. Jack does whatever it takes to please Connie including cooking and swimming lessons. This is juxtaposed by John Ortiz and Daphne Rubin-Vega who have fixed them up. They are near the end of their relationship.

The movie was more sad than "heartfelt." It is funny if you enjoy laughing at poorly educated people trying to make a living. There were numerous awkward pauses, by design that simply didn't work well.

The lame piano music soundtrack was dreadful, but has become the norm for "heartfelt Indie" movies that lack a good enough plot to bring out emotion.

The acting was superb. Sex scene(?) wasn't as good as the one Hoffman did with Marisa Tomei.

F-bomb, pot, hash, and cocaine use.

"THE CANNOLI WAS FINE" was a line spoken by Hoffman in a Homer Simpson moment. It was my laugh out sole loud moment.

Odd and initially engaging, but over the course of the film it lost me....

[planktonrules · 4/10 · 22 May 2011]

This is an odd film. It starts off a lot like "Marty" and you feel a connection to the characters, but by the end, the film's more like "What Ever Happened to Virginia Wolfe?" (with all the arguing and substance abuse)...and that's a combination that just didn't sit well with me.

Philip Seymour Hoffman had apparently starred in the play on which this film is based. In addition, he directed this low-budget project. How the two projects differ, I can't say, as I never had a chance to see the play.

Hoffman plays a very shy and insecure middle-aged guy who is single. His friend sets him up with a lady who is equally shy and socially awkward. While neither really open up much at their initial meeting, over time a relationship slowly develops--at which time you learn more about the two characters. She is carrying some emotionally baggage and cold probably use a sex therapist, as she is phobic about being touched. He is incredibly unsure of himself and worries excessively about screwing up. In many ways, these two people did remind me of the characters in "Marty"--but they seemed to have MUCH more emotional baggage and were much more constricted emotionally. Because of this, the film was VERY dry and slow...glacially slow. Now I could have stood this, as I did connect with the pair. But, sadly, late in the film, the couple that introduced the two began to act almost exactly like Richard Burton and Liz Taylor from "Who's Afraid of Virginia Wolfe?"--and it just didn't fit with what had already been established. I wanted to see these two sweet screwed up folks together--not watch the Bickersons drink, do drugs and argue in the most vicious manner. It truly made my skin crawl.

Overall, I would not watch the film. The first portion is great--the last, too dominated by the screwed up couple, was tough going. I think a tighter focus would have helped this film considerably. It's a shame, as the acting and some of the characters were nice.

By the way, if you are interested, the title is referring to the risks Jack (Hoffman) is willing to take to change and grow. Despite a fear of water and unable to swim, he promises to take his new girl boating--and subsequently learns to swim and overcome his fear.

the man can work a camera

[TheGOLDENWALRUS · 8/10 · 15 September 2010]

I was fortunate enough to see this movie a few days early in eastern Manhattan. Of course I had to deal with a frustrating (talkative) audience but I not only saw a great little film, I got to see the whole cast do a little q&A session with Peter Travers afterward.

We know the plot. An awkward man meets an awkward girl both surrounded by a couple who has a lot of problems with their marriage but don't mind bottling it in at the moment. Jack (Hoffman) is very lovable. You feel for him and he wins your hearts from his first swimming lesson with his best friend Clyde (John Ortiz). Clyde's wife Lucy(Daphne Rubin-Vega) introduces Jack to her co-worker and friend Connie (amy Ryan). Jack and Connie actually hit it off right off the bat. Connie enjoyed telling ridiculous stories such as her father being in a coma (trust me, there is a lot more to that story - had the audience roaring) but means well and wants to pursue a relationship very slowly with Jack. Jack so gentle that he'll wait till the summer to go on their first date if needed for the relationship.

This cast was very good. For those who like them Oscars, Hoffman should get an acting nomination. Though is uncomfortable behavior might get a but repetitive, you still can't keep your eyes off of him. Him and Ryan shined with excellent chemistry. The supporting cast were also great.

The direction of the film was remarkable. Hoffman is a natural but also brought some new ideas. One scene was so beautiful. Jack and Clyde were sitting in the car. Clyde started to get things off his chest in such a emotional way. Something that would secretly hurt Jack. A plow comes by and pushes dirt on the windshield. After Clyde is about done ranting, Jack hits the windshield wipers. It clears the snow but little drops of water still move down the windshield. Because the camera is shot from the back, the windshield was almost a reflection of both of the character's faces as if they were tearing up. So many great shots. I love when Hoffman is underwater and I love his little dream sequences.

I really enjoyed the film. a great study of characters. Hoffman said he'd love to direct another film if given another great cast. 7.5/10.

Simple, enjoyable, insightful and uplifting.

[Greigx3 · 7/10 · 6 November 2011]

Right from the start the world is beautified by that simplistic aesthetic so typical of independent cinema. The framing is mostly quite tight and the visual palette is consistently minimalist, leaving room for the audience to concentrate on the complex characters and themes of the film.

The film achieves so much through the undeniable human charm of its four central characters, especially the enigmatic Jack who's sensitively portrayed by Philip Seymour Hoffman. There are a couple of moments in the film that verge uncomfortably close to the cliché and contrived, but not enough to detract from the overall value of the film.

The film takes a look at the nature of love in modern relationships by comparing it's starkly contrasted characters and their perception of love. This film contains some truth and insights that will resonate amongst many of the audience members.

Ultimately, a well-crafted and relatable film that allows audiences to invest in its superb characters and reflect on its meanings. At 89 minutes it's easy to digest and easy to enjoy. It's a visually pleasing piece of textbook independent cinema that Philip Seymour Hoffman should be proud to call his directorial debut.

Read my full review on my blog: http://ionlyaskedwhatyouthought.blogspot.com/

Two losers don't make it right.

[MdlndeHond · 5/10 · 12 January 2011]

Now where have we seen this about 50 times before especially in the indie genre? Two lonely people find each other while stumbling about and are guided by their best friend. He is a limo driver, she works in a funeral home, he lives in his uncles basement, she's just been lonely. "So this is how you make a small movie" is almost the message "don't you dare make them into anything interesting either!" This isn't my favorite genre so that's in favour of the movie but i love Philip Seymour Hoffman as an actor in anything he does and in that case it evens out.

I expected more from PSH. His character could have been sad, lonely without being a loser completely. The story misses velocity and gets very sappy at times, it all is very small, clumsy and sentimental. PSH is not his usual greatness since this script fits him like shoes 3 sizes to small. He is the best thing that happened to the new millennium but even he can't save this horrendous dragon of a movie.

This Boat Floats!!

[MaralynSpeaking · 9/10 · 29 November 2010]

For its humor, emotional honesty, and glimpse of almost unfathomable decency in a world as untidy as Hoffman's Rastafarian locks, this film rises to a place among my all time favorites-- along with David Mamet's "State and Main". Although Hoffman's wonderfully imagined writer in the Mamet film shares some of Jack's ingenuous sensibility, Glaudini's writing and Hoffman's embodiment invest the doughy type with the necessary twiggy fiber to make the character heart-achingly real. Trailers and reviews give lots of specifics about plot, but thankfully do not catalogue all the film's pleasures. Jack and his boating date, Connie, are both outsiders and both uncannily patient-- driven perhaps more by uncompromising values than by fear. Clyde and Lucy, the aggressively magnanimous pair who mentor the new couple provide an important counterpoint. And all four actors in these central roles leave their egos someplace outside the frame enabling us to enjoy every surprising ripple of character. With the plot's unfolding, we are not taken for a ride but for a journey.

Swimming to success

[jotix100 · 7/10 · 11 December 2012]

A shy man, Jack is a new yorker whose potential has not been fully realized. He is a limo driver whose life does not seem to be going anywhere. Jack is best friends with Clyde, another driver, who seems to be exactly what his co-worker is not. Jack lacks social graces, but that does not mean he is a loser by choice. Life has not prepared Jack in the romance department. Part of the problem is that Jack is a loner. He is awkward as well as clumsy.

All that is about to change. Clyde, married to Lucy, think their mutual friend, Connie, might be a good match for their friend. Connie is as clumsy and awkward as Jack, appearing to be sexually deprived as him. Clyde decides Jack needs to get into swimming, a great undertaking to get him out of his protective armor. At the same time, Clyde wants Jack to learn a few tricks from a Waldorf's chef so he can wow Connie with an impressive dinner. Eventually, Jack and Connie find a mutual ground to make it as a couple.

The film is based on the play of the same title by Robert Glaudini, who adapted the original material for the screen. We saw it when it was presented at NewYork's Public theater, a few years ago. The film version is directed by Philip Seymour Hoffman, who is repeating the role he created. The film is small and still shows its origins as Mr. Hoffman keeps it as intimate, as it was in the theater. He shows generosity in the way he staged the text. In some other hands, it would probably had not been so.

Mr. Hoffman, one of the best actors working in movies today shows great intelligence in his approach to the solitary man discovering a lot of possibilities when he meets the right woman with whom make music together. Amy Ryan keeps surprising with each new appearance. Her Connie is real, a sheltered young woman, opening to a life she never thought probably existed before she met Jack. John Ortiz and Daphne Rubin-Vega repeat their performances as Clyde and Lucy.

Jack's Boat Has Holes

[evanston_dad · 5/10 · 17 February 2011]

It's never a pleasure to report that a film project brought to life largely through the efforts of someone whose work you greatly admire is a misfire, but such is the case with "Jack Goes Boating."

Philip Seymour Hoffman, one of the best actors currently working, directed, co-wrote and stars in this oddball "comedy" about two sad sacks who find love in each other. It's like a darker, updated version of "Marty," with Hoffman standing in for Ernest Borgnine and the part of the wallflower, played memorably by Betsy Blair in the earlier film, played here by Amy Ryan. However, there's no rooting interest in this film as there was in "Marty." The characters played by Hoffman and Ryan are so weird, Ryan's especially, as to be nearly mentally ill. Indeed, Ryan's character is terribly written, as is the only other female character in the movie, a mutual friend played by Daphne Rubin-Vega as a vicious harpy. Her husband is Hoffman's best friend, and the film's major set piece is a disastrous dinner party at which Hoffman and Ryan watch their married friends, along with their marriage, self-destruct before their very eyes. I guess we're supposed to understand from this why Hoffman and Ryan are both so relationship shy; neither wants to end up in something as awful as the marriage that apparently serves as their only frame of reference. Are there no other married couples in the entire city of New York who might set a different example?

The tone and pacing of the film is stilted and odd, as if Hoffman was trying too hard to give his film a quirky vibe. It's only 90 minutes long but it feels much longer thanks to the numerous slow and painful conversations we have to endure from these characters who remain at best obtuse and at worst downright unlikable.

Grade: C