CHOKE
CAROLINE: “Choke,” starring Sam Rockwell is another movie based on a novel from the twisted mind of Chuck Palahniuk.
RYAN: It’s an interesting title and it relates to the film in that it’s about a guy who likes to fake choking in restaurants. Well, actually, he makes himself choke on purpose, which is unfathomable to me. The performances and the story are good, and I really liked the music too.
CAROLINE: It’s a weird movie, but it’s a perfect role for Sam Rockwell who himself is a little weird; and I mean that with the utmost respect. I thought he played his part very well, and though I enjoyed the movie, I wasn’t like, “Hip hip hooray!” at the end.
RYAN: I think I might have liked it more than you. Anjelica Huston plays Sam Rockwell’s mother both in the present and in flashbacks, so she spans a couple decades. She gives a great performance and she looks good too.
CAROLINE: She looks amazing. I feel like she’s one of those very rare women in Hollywood who isn’t letting plastic surgery muck up her whole face. She may have had a little work done, but she’s aging very gracefully and even though she’s not traditionally beautiful, she looks fabulous.
RYAN: I didn’t find this movie that disturbing or intense for some reason, though it has some interesting twists and even sad moments. But I wasn’t appalled by anything.
CAROLINE: Well, one of the final scenes is pretty appalling, but I won’t reveal what happens. Let’s just say it involves a bead. This movie has some odd moments. Sam Rockwell’s character is a sex addict, and some of his behavior is rather disturbing.
RYAN: I found the sex scenes really funny.
CAROLINE: Sure, some of them are over-the-top. There are some supporting actors you’ll recognize. Joel Grey has a small role as a fellow sex addict, and I must say his nose job rivals only that of his daughter Jennifer’s in its severity. It looks like someone put Zac Efron’s nose on his old, wrinkly face.
RYAN: Bijou Phillips is in it too, and that girl who played the co-worker in “You’ve Got Mail.”
CAROLINE: The director, Clark Gregg, also has a role in the movie as Sam Rockwell’s annoying colleague at the Colonial village where he works. You’ll totally recognize him from other movies.
RYAN: And let’s not forget Kelly Macdonald, a great Scottish actress who I loved in “Nanny McPhee.” This is a very different role for her. She’s got great range.
CAROLINE: She does a really good American accent, and she’s a little funny-looking in a cute way. I loved her in “No Country for Old Men.” Overall, I’d said I laughed out loud several times during the movie; it’s got very quirky humor. But it was a little slow for me at times.
RYAN: I agree. I was definitely shifting in my seat toward the end. Bottom line?
CAROLINE: It’s a quirky indie that fans of Sam Rockwell will enjoy. He’s at his best in roles like this. I just don’t know how he pays the bills doing small movies like this all the time.
RYAN: It’s a well-done movie in terms of writing, casting, directing, costumes and all that. But I can’t imagine anybody seeing this and really enjoying it. I don’t think it’s up the alley of most of my friends. But it’s well made for sure.