Choke

Choke (2008)
Directed by Clark Gregg
Length: 92 minutes
Rated R for strong sexual content, nudity, and language

So let me start by saying, this is not a movie to watch with the kids (unless you have mature kids, mad props mom). I'll even go on to say that if you are easily offended by language or very extreme sexual content (as in perverse sexual fantasies), this is not the movie for you!

Based on the 2001 novel of the same name by Chuck Palahniuk (Fight Club, Survivor), Choke is definitely not your typical movie. Victor Mancini, played by an excellent Sam Rockwell (Moon, Frost/Nixon), is a med school drop-out/sex addict that simulates choking in public places in order to be saved by a soon-to-be hero, who Victor then exploits for money by sharing his sad story of destitute. On top of scamming people to pay for his mother's nursing home bills, Victor lives in denial of his addiction to casual sex and issues with intimacy. To make matters worse, Victor is stuck working a dead-end job at a colonial village where he must maintain character or face time in the shackles.

If you don't get the picture of just how out there Palahniuk's novels are by just that brief description, then trust me, you will by the end of the movie. That being said, I thoroughly enjoyed Choke. For a dark-esq comedy, it certainly has plenty of laugh-out-loud moments. Often, the best exchanges come from Sam Rockwell's character of Victor and his current "buddy." Missing anal beads, around the worlds, simulated rape role plays, and crazy old nursing home patients provide for PLENTY of laughs; and I haven't even mentioned Victor's best friend Denny, played by Brad William Henke (Dexter, Star Trek), a chronic masturbator who falls in love with a stripper named Cherry Daiquiri!

Sam Rockwell does an excellent job in this role. You really relate to him, even though he's just a huge asshole and womanizer. Everyone has issues with his/her parent(s) at some point, and Victor is no exception. Rockwell's performance alone is enough to carry this movie, and he is certainly making a strong case that he is one of Hollywood's vastly underrated actors who deserves bigger roles. The supporting cast, while not necessarily as memorable as Rockwell, is excellently casted and perform their roles sufficiently.

As far as story, it certainly is original. I cannot say that any moment felt cliched. There are a couple of scenes that are a bit redundant. Although they come from the book, they could have been cut without hindering the plot advancement. Overall, the movie flows well and never feels like it drags or goes stale. If anything, the movie definitely keeps you glued with catchy one-liners/exchanges, funny situations, or even more emotionally charged scenes, typically involving Victor's mother played by Anjelica Huston (Medium, The Darjeeling Limited) and her battle with Alzheimer's.

I highly recommend this movie. If you're like me, it makes you want to read more Palahniuk, but his style certainly isn't for everyone. A dark comedy with an original plot, funny dialogue and scenes, what more could you ask for? As I warned, if you are easily offended, probably not right for you. But if you give it a try, I'm sure you'll be more than satisfied with an excellent comedy.

Final Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars

Favorite Quote:
Internet Date: "You don't hit me with the knife! That's called stabbing me!"