CHOKE

CHOKE: FROM BOOK TO SCREEN, A TOTALLY BIASED REVIEW

Victor Mancini (Sam Rockwell) is a medical-school dropout who has devised an ingenious scam to pay elder care for his Alzheimer's-afflicted mother (Angelica Houston). He pretends to choke on pieces of food while dining in upscale restaurants. He then allows himself to be "saved" by fellow patrons who, feeling responsible for Victor's life, go on to send checks to support him. When he's not pulling this stunt, Victor cruises sexual addiction support groups for action, visits his ailing mom while having to be "Fred" the lawyer, and spends his days working at a colonial theme park with his pal Denny. But there is so much more., and this is where almost every book-to-movie falls apart. The book which this movie was inspired by (titled the same) was crafted by Chuck Palahniuk ; whose works include, Survivor, Invisible Monsters, Lullaby, Haunted and Rant. The book was far more over the top than anyone could reproduce. However, with Same Rockwell and Angelica Houston, they were able to play over the top with out crashing down to the bottom. I couldn't have picked anyone else but Sam to play Victor. He is a nutball but also shows enough humanity to remain human. Houston, on the other hand, frightened me with talk of her as Victor's mother. Yet, indeed, she too was perfect as both her younger and older self. Palahniuk's books, in general, are original and far out as it gets, not without merit. As per usual, the book always provides more detail than allowed in the movie. If you liked the movie, then buy the book and you will understand. Good luck Chuck!

BIG Bite: I loved the book and still liked the movie; kudos!