Post by BIGFANBOY on Dec 25, 2008 7:09:39 GMT -5
YES MAN
Review by Gary Dean Murray
Jim Carrey is one of the most successful comics working in films today. With The Mask, Liar, Liar and Dumb and Dumber he has proven time and time again that he's a star to be recognized with on the silver screen. But, these films were years ago and he hasn't been the biggest comic force on the planet in the Judd Apatow world of comedy. Carrey gets a tiny step forward in taking that comedy throne back with the paint by number comedy Yes Man.
Our little film starts out with Carl (Carrey) as a man so far down that he would have to climb to get to the first edge of the rut. His pitiful life consists of going to a day bank loan officer job he hates and at night hanging out in his apartment watching old movies. He isn't living and he isn't even really existing. This all stems from his wife dumping him for having no initiative.
His life changes when he runs into an old acquaintance who boldly proclaims that he is a "Yes Man", handing him a pamphlet on a New Age style group. After a few more episodes of failure, Carl finally decides to go to a meeting where he meets this guru (Terrence Stamp) who pushes the idea of saying 'yes' to every situation that presents itself, one must embrace the possible. Carl believes that the spiritual man has put a curse on him and that he must literally say yes to everything. Leaving the meeting, a homeless man approaches Carl and asks for a ride. Of course, Carl agrees. This causes him to meet Allison (Zooey Deschanel) a free spirit he never would have approached in the real world. Every time Carl says 'yes' something great happens, and every time he says 'no' something bad happens.
As it dawns on him how outstanding it is to say 'yes', his life is transformed. A loan officer who always says 'yes' to every loan generates many happy customers. This is a predictable story that feels like an overwritten SNL skit. While it is funny for great stretches, it is much of the same joke over and over again. Any one who has ever seen a movie knows where this film is going and what the outcome will be. But one has to love the rubber-faced Jim Carey here. Yes, the role is fairly one note, but he keeps hitting that note over and over again until it becomes funny once more. His skill as a comedian triumphs over the script and he makes it funny to a high degree. A lesser comic would have turned this script into a bore fest. Though he might be a bit too long in the tooth to play this particular character, it works more often than not.
One has to love Zooey. This is such a thankless role to be the soundboard for the comic storm that is Mr. Jim. She smiles and laughs over and over again, knowing when to step back and let the master practice his craft. But she does get a few laughs here and there. We also get to see her sing which is both wonderful and a bit surprising. She could have had a different career and one definitely would love to see her film band "Munchausen by Proxy" play in a dingy little bar.
This film is exactly what you expect from it. The title gives away all of the major plot points. There are few surprises in the world of Yes Man. To be honest, there isn't anything wrong with that. The movie gives you exactly what you expect, nothing less nothing more. The script is weak and the direction has no flair or style. Even the lighting comes across as flat.
When I first heard of this film, I felt ripped off. In college, I developed the attitude of “If it doesn't hurt you or someone else, always say 'yes'. Because 'yes' leads to adventures. This film takes that little philosophy to a degree I can see myself going. I just wished there had been more of a story in Yes Man. In a nutshell, not bad but not great.
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