Jack Goes Boating
Directed by Philip Seymour Hoffman
Screnplay by Bob Glaudini
Starring Philip Seymour Hoffman, John Ortiz, Amy Ryan, Daphne Rubin-Vega
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Philip Seymour Hoffman makes his directorial debut with a piece that he previously starred in (but didn’t direct) for his New York-based theater company, Labyrinth. In fact, all but one of the original stage cast reprise their roles for the big screen version, including John Ortiz, who co-founded Labyrinth with Hoffman, and Broadway veteran Daphne Rubin-Vega, best known for originating the role of Mimi in Rent. The new girl on the block is Amy Ryan, but you’d never guess that based on the easy rapport she has with her co-stars. The story is yet another variation on the classic Marty scenario—a schlubby, socially awkward guy named Jack (Hoffman) attempts to reform himself to win the heart of an equally odd gal, Connie (Ryan). In this case, reforming himself means learning how to swim (so that he can take his would-be girlfriend boating, of course) and mastering the fine art of cooking so that he can present her with her first home-cooked meal.
