Mini-Review: Choke

Choke
Directed by Clark Gregg
Released September 26, 2008

I’m a fan of Chuck Palahniuk’s “Fight Club,” one of the few books-turned-movies that I’ve actually read. I haven’t read the novel “Choke,” but I’d hazard a guess that the source material is pretty terrific if the quality of this movie is any indication. This is one of the most immediately pleasing and thoroughly enjoyable films I’ve seen in a while. Sam Rockwell is an awesome lead, and his unique personality plays perfectly here. Add in able supporting star Brad Henke, who was everywhere in 2006 as Maggie Gyllenhaal’s brother, Kelly McDonald minus her accent and plus a whole lot of awkwardness, and a powerhouse memorable turn by Anjelica Huston, and this is one outstanding ensemble. The film is so wonderfully witty as well, and director Clark Gregg is just as talented behind the camera as he is on screen. The one downside of the film is that everything’s so great, and suddenly the film has a rushed ending which doesn’t do the rest of its story justice. Nonetheless, it’s a great movie which I hope will still be seen even though it hasn’t garnered very positive reviews.

B+