Yes Man"The banker Carl Allen is a lonely man with low self-esteem after his divorce with Stephanie, for whom he still yearns. He avoids his best friend Peter. He has a boring job, stalled in a bureaucratic position in the loan department of a bank; and he spends his spare time watching DVDs. When he meets by chance his former high school mate Nick, he is convinced to participate of a self-help program called "Yes Man" leaded by the guru Terrence Bundley. The basic principle of the program is to say "yes" to new situations, leaving the negativism aside. Carl misunderstands the concept and says "yes" to every question. While leaving the encounter, he helps a homeless man and in the end of the night he meets the gorgeous Allison that helps him with her scooter. His life completely changes with his new attitude."
2.5 stars
This is a stupid little movie with a decent message. The concept of Carpe Diem seems to have itself personified by a movie every few years or so. There's Dead Poets Society, The Emperor's Club, Last Holiday, The Bucket List, and the great Ferris Bueller's Day Off just to name a few. Each of which takes its own stab at reminding us that life is just a series of moments and the more we capture, the more we'll enjoy it. While it may sound cliche, I have to agree with the message of all these films. But that doesn't necessarily mean that they're worth watching.
The one thing about Yes Man that I will say surprised me is the lack of similarity it had to Carrey's previous Liar, Liar. I fully anticipated Carrey's character to be hypnitozed (or something to the like) early on in the film during the YES motivational seminar. This would, no doubt, lead him on a series of whacky adventures and place him in situations that are just downright silly. But that wasn't the case here, so kudos to the writer for actually adding a little weight to the film and some heart along with it.
It was also painfully clear that Carrey was trying to go back to the "slapstick well" that initially lifted him to A-list status during the 90s. Something he really hasn't done since Me, Myself, and Irene 10 years ago. The goofy faces, comedic voices, and wildly flailing arms are back in full force as the 48 year old Carrey tries to win the affections of the 30 year old Zooey Deschanel who could basically be his daughter. While his physical comedic prowess is still better than most, I would prefer he continue the dramatic stuff that has resulted in some great films like Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind and Man on the Moon.
All in all, this movie will result in a few chuckles and a few moments that will make you smile, but there really isn't too much to it. I'm just glad that this time he refrained from bending over and talking out of his ass. Actually, now that I think about it that was pretty funny.
2.5 stars
This is a stupid little movie with a decent message. The concept of Carpe Diem seems to have itself personified by a movie every few years or so. There's Dead Poets Society, The Emperor's Club, Last Holiday, The Bucket List, and the great Ferris Bueller's Day Off just to name a few. Each of which takes its own stab at reminding us that life is just a series of moments and the more we capture, the more we'll enjoy it. While it may sound cliche, I have to agree with the message of all these films. But that doesn't necessarily mean that they're worth watching.
The one thing about Yes Man that I will say surprised me is the lack of similarity it had to Carrey's previous Liar, Liar. I fully anticipated Carrey's character to be hypnitozed (or something to the like) early on in the film during the YES motivational seminar. This would, no doubt, lead him on a series of whacky adventures and place him in situations that are just downright silly. But that wasn't the case here, so kudos to the writer for actually adding a little weight to the film and some heart along with it.
It was also painfully clear that Carrey was trying to go back to the "slapstick well" that initially lifted him to A-list status during the 90s. Something he really hasn't done since Me, Myself, and Irene 10 years ago. The goofy faces, comedic voices, and wildly flailing arms are back in full force as the 48 year old Carrey tries to win the affections of the 30 year old Zooey Deschanel who could basically be his daughter. While his physical comedic prowess is still better than most, I would prefer he continue the dramatic stuff that has resulted in some great films like Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind and Man on the Moon.
All in all, this movie will result in a few chuckles and a few moments that will make you smile, but there really isn't too much to it. I'm just glad that this time he refrained from bending over and talking out of his ass. Actually, now that I think about it that was pretty funny.
