Film adaptation of a Chuck Palahniuk (Fight Club) novel (I can't say his name) about a man, Victor (Sam Rockwell) "attempting" to shake a sex addiction while dealing with his mother's recent illness. Victor's not so much a likable character as he is an interesting one, and director/screenwriter Clark Gregg has done a decent job at detailing Victor's out-of-control lifestyle and coupling that with seemingly normal people. Unfortunately, the shocks at the end coming from Victor's mother's nurse aren't as surprising as the movie would like us to believe considering her faulty ideas prior to the conclusion, and the emotions generated between mother and son are limited given that they both have a love/hate relationship leaning more towards the hate spectrum. There's also a question as to where the film is headed through much of the plot, which is fortunately wrapped up toward the end of the film and all themes are brought together. There are a few very effective devices used, one being the fact that Victor sees all women in flashes of who he has had sex with or what they look like naked. It is enjoyable characterization that really works with the film's topic. Choke has its moments but falls short of an emotional release, though the finale does well to provide a commentary on addiction. How true it is, though, I'm not one to judge.
Choke on Rotten Tomatoes
3 COMMENTS:
Gregg hit the highlights of the book, but it didn't wow me. Like you said, Gregg did a decent job.
Problem is, this crazy story needed more flare to really grab the viewer.
Hahah I can't say his name either! It usually just comes out as Chuck Pala-hoo-hoo-nick or something else equally as terrible.
loved this book, but the movie, though it had its moments, seemed to fall flat.
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