Yes Man Movie Review
Jim Carrey Just Can’t Say ‘No’
Veteran comedian Jim Carrey (Cable Guy), stars as Carl Allan, a man who has fallen victim to a serious life rut which is in need of remedying. Having lost his wife to divorce two years prior, and being stuck in a dead end job with no prospects of advancement, Allan has become somewhat of a recluse. Preferring to stay at home rather then face like and the new and wonderful experiences it has to offer, Carrey’s character often has to be dragged out to social functions by his friends, Peter, Bradley Cooper (Wedding Crashers), and Rooney, Danny Masterson (That 70’s Shows), mostly against his own wishes.
Fortune Favors the Brave
As luck would have it, Allan’s encounter with an old colleague during a work lunch break, would prove to be the catalyst to his drastic life change. Having being coaxed to attend a self-help seminar, Carl is persuaded by the flamboyant guru, Terrence Bundley, played by the timeless Terence Stam (Get Smart), to not deny himself any further chance of experiencing something new, and hence say ‘yes’ to everything.
At first, Carl welcomes this new universal perspective with skepticism, but eventually discovers that living, rather than simply existing is more exciting. Gradually, Carl’s life begins to re-rail itself as his tattered friendships with Peter and Rooney begin to mend themselves, his positive improvement in workplace dealing sees him promoted to an ever higher position that his kooky superior, Norman, Rhys Darby (The Flight of the Conchords), and he makes the acquaintance of the mysterious and eccentric Allison, Zooey Deschanel (The Happening).
‘Yes’ Means ‘No’
Enchanted and mesmerized by his new love interest Allison, Carl resolves himself to the concept that as long as he keeps saying ‘yes’ to life, he cannot once again become a slave to staleness. However, Carl soon discovers that his new life mantra is fraught with weakness, as his over-enthusiasm begins to take negative affect on his loved ones. Carl comes to the realization that an even balance in his approach to day-to-day decision-making, is the only way he can maintain his personal relationships, without alienating those around him.
Vintage Carrey
Comedy custodian Jim Carrey delivers in vintage fashion, in Peyton Reed’s (The Break-Up), laugh fest. Full of Carrey’s trademark arsenal of obnoxious and plain idiotic facial expressions, à la Jerry Lewis, as well as his genius improve/adlib, Yes Man definitely ticks the boxes on the funny front. The ensemble of a talented comedic support team headed by the likes of funny flick regulars: Zooey Deschanel, Danny Masterson, Bradley Cooper, and kiwi import Rhys Darby, ensures the continuity of the hysterical verbal and physically onslaughts.
The Verdict
In terms of pure, brainless entertainment, Yes Man does not disappoint. In terms of the originality of the story, one can’t help but draw parallels to Jim Carrey’s 1997 hit, Liar Liar, in which he plays a lawyer who cannot lie as a result of yes young son’s birthday wish. Nevertheless, Yes Man, is a must see.
3.5/5 Stars
Cast
- Jim Carrey
- Zooey Deschanel
- Bradley Cooper
- Danny Masterson
- Rhys Darby
Writers: Nicholas Stoller/Jarrad Paul/Andrew Mogel/Danny Wallace (Book)
Director: Peyton Reed
Producer: Jim Carrey/David Heyman/Richard D Zanuck
Warner Brothers (PG 13-104 Minutes)
Filmography information sourced from www.imdb.com
Yes Man
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Yes Man
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