Nothing's groundbreaking, but at least over the course of adaptation JACK GOES BOATING picked up some cinematic flair,

| Jan 13, 2021

Every character is brilliantly realized by an exceptional cast.

| Original Score: 7/10 | Nov 29, 2020

It successfully shows love and relationships on the opposite ends of the spectrum.

| Original Score: B | Aug 13, 2020

It's tonally uncomfortable, which was probably Hoffman's intent, and though it's not a home run, there's great acting on display-another common theme in films adapted from plays.

| Nov 17, 2018

Can't shake off its stagey roots and lacks any emotional punch.

| Aug 31, 2018

Jack Goes Boating is an impressive display of Hoffman's work. As an actor, and director, Hoffman always recognized the power of restraint to create a memorable impression - albeit, in this case, not one that leaves behind an indelible trace.

| Jan 12, 2018

An exceptional directorial debut by Philip Seymour Hoffman, JACK GOES BOATING is a touching story about how of love is awkward, funny, and important.

| May 1, 2015

These characters are all writerly quirks, never once behaving remotely like recognizable human beings.

Full Review | Apr 28, 2015

Refreshingly optimistic without idealization, Jack Goes Boating gives us a fantastic cast and manages to be charming and witty without sacrificing integrity.

| Original Score: 9/10 | Nov 11, 2013

JACK GOES BOATING is a poignant story about how love can be (often at the same time) awkward, funny, and important.

| Aug 28, 2013

We do see New York from some interestingly different angles and Jack goes on a voyage which might inspire others like him.

| Original Score: 3/5 | Jan 20, 2012

Hoffman has an intimate feel for the drama, yet he strives to open it out for the big screen with too many lyrical montages, and this occasionally blunts the more intense exchanges.

| Original Score: 3/5 | Nov 9, 2011

The characters feel a little too condescendingly conceived as "ordinary people" to make this meaningful.

Full Review | Original Score: 2/5 | Nov 6, 2011

The movie is a quirky updating of the 1955 Oscar-winner Marty, but less hard-edged.

| Nov 6, 2011

Seymour Hoffman's 'Fisher King' is far more edgy and risqu than fantastical, with some clumsy sexual explorative scenes ... It also has the wonderful one-on-one bromance moments ...

| Original Score: 4/5 | Nov 6, 2011

There's an improvisatory air, overlaid with quirky charm but never any bite. Hoffman's performance needs tougher, more focused direction.

Full Review | Original Score: 2/5 | Nov 4, 2011

| Original Score: 3/5 | Nov 4, 2011

A plaintive, sensitively-handled tale reminiscent of vintage Hollywood dramas such as Marty that knew how to tell such stories without seeming quite so self-conscious.

| Original Score: 3/5 | Nov 4, 2011

Hoffman's directing debut delivers a film so weak I could barely remember what it was about as I left the cinema.

| Original Score: 2/5 | Nov 3, 2011

In places it has the airless feel of an over-workshopped piece, but is rescued by excellent performances: in particular Amy Ryan as Connie, Jack's shy would-be girlfriend.

| Original Score: 3/5 | Nov 3, 2011