Jack Goes Boating

Hoffman originated the stage role of low-energy, low-expectations Jack, a shy suitor noodged into the dating game by friends, in Bob Glaudini's play about a couple of shrinking violets in love. It's one of those pot-smoking, tubby-belly, schlemiel parts that Hoffman can do in his sleep. He's well matched with Amy Ryan as a soul-mate violet. But as a first-time film director, Hoffman is stymied by the difficult task of transforming stage material into a movie; Jack Goes Boating's camera just sits there while actors act. As a result, the story feels even dweebier than planned.