Media Maven: “Yes Man” Movie Review

Yes Man

Jim Carrey, Zooey Deschanel, Bradley Cooper, Jon Michael Higins, Rhys Darby, Danny Masterson, Molly Sims, Sasha Alexander, Fionnula Flanagan

Jim Carrey plays Carl Allen the sad sack indifferent, 30-something who is transformed into a “Yes Man” through a series of predictable circumstances. Carl is in a dead-end job, his marriage has ended and he neglects his friends.

Carrey is versatile enough to convince us of his ability to be disconnected from life. His pals Rooney and Peter (Danny Masterson and Bradley Cooper) are wonderful supportive friends as well as actors. They invite him out to bars; they check up on him, they tell him he needs to participate in life.

Things begin to get amusing as Carl tolerates an annoying boss to avoid having to invest in a friendship. Rhys Darby (“Flight of the Conchords”) gives the word annoying its meaning. Carrey sparkles as the straight man to the bumbling antics of Darby’s character, Norman.

It is that ability of Carrey to play both straight and goofy that makes us enjoy this comedy. Carrey is invited by an old acquaintance to attend a YES seminar where people succumb to the power of yes and base decisions on the positive affirmation of YES.

Along the way, he meets a refreshing love interest in the character of Allison played by Zooey Deschanel. And in this relationship we see the Jim Carrey we know and love. His strength as a comic actor in a simple minded film works most definitely because of Jim Carrey. He mugs when necessary. He plays a drunk with conviction and he plays an abandoned, lovesick guy who only wants to be happy—just like everyone else.

Saying “Yes” to this movie would be saying “Yes Man” to an evening of vintage Jim Carrey. If you are a fan this film is for you. Everyone else: It’s an evening out.

Chic Stars: Three Chic Stars.

Jan’s Movie Rating System:

5 – Top-notch entertainment

4 – Compelling, Heartwarming, Thrilling, Comical

3 – The a) story b) actors c) special effects saved/made this movie.

2 – If you are bored, watch it, or wait for DVD

1 – Don’t bother. Too morose, too violent, too blasè, an enigma.

PHOTO CREDITS

Photo: Courtesy of Reel Movies