Jack Goes Boating

Philip Seymour Hoffman directs and stars in this low-key adaptation of Bob Glaudini's off-Broadway play about middle-aged relationships. Jack (Hoffman) and Clyde (John Ortiz) are New York limo drivers. Morose, mumbling, pot-smoking Jack is a textbook example of social ineptness, while genial Clyde is married to Lucy (Daphne Rubin-Vega), who works at a Brooklyn funeral home with timid Connie (Amy Ryan). Playing matchmakers, Clyde and Lucy introduce Jack to Connie, and despite some awkwardness on their first date, the pair seem to connect. Connie would like to go boating once summer arrives and Jack wants to take her. But first Clyde has to teach him how to swim, leading to pool scenes at the Y that reveal more of Jack's character, including his yearning for self-improvement. It turns out, however, that Clyde and Lucy are having serious marital issues, and everything eventually erupts at an elaborate dinner party that Jack prepares for Connie. Since three of the four actors are reprising their stage roles, they comfortably inhabit their off-beat characters, while newcomer Ryan fits into the ensemble splendidly. Unfortunately, Jack Goes Boating looks like a filmed play, but it's still a sensitive, subtle slice-of-life portrait of lonely people awkwardly struggling with their emotions. Recommended. [Note: DVD/Blu-ray extras include a “From the Stage to the Big Screen” featurette (5 min.), a “Jack's New York” location featurette (4 min.), deleted scenes (2 min.), and trailers. Bottom line: a decent extras package for a solid little film.] (S. Granger)