Jim Carrey has a secret, and it makes us laugh. Jim Carrey goes around his daily life with that secret to hilarious results. Then someone important in his life finds out he has a secret, gets mad, and then ends up forgiving him so we can have a happy ending. No, this isn't the premise for Liar Liar 2: Pants on Fire, it's the basis for a lot of Jim Carrey movies, including his latest, Yes Man. Does the fact that this film is formulaic and generic totally rob it from any fun? No, far from it. I found myself chuckling several times throughout the film, but it makes you wish Jim would try some other form of humor and steer clear of the safe kind. I miss my Cable Guy Jim Carrey.
Carrey plays Carl, a recently divorced, socially retarded man in a dead end job. After an old friend urges him to go to a self-help seminar, he finds himself forced to say "Yes" whenever any opportunity is presented to him. He soon finds this "yes" lifestyle can reap wonderful rewards and continues on until he realizes "yes" isn't always the best answer.
There's good and there's bad in this film, but, suffice to say, Jim Carrey is back in good form. He makes zany faces, acts totally crazy, and you are actually laughing with him again, which is a nice change. Sadly though, despite the good performances, the plot just isn't anything special. What is special is Rhys Darby (Murray from Flight of the Conchords). I don't know if it's just me, but anything this guy said had me rolling in the aisles. Zooey Deschanel also does a fine job of making us all wish we could meet her in real life, because we are so certain we'd hit if off and fall madly in love if only we got the opportunity. Add in some Bradley Cooper, Danny Masterson, and a surprisingly funny turn from General Zod himself, Terrence Stamp, and you have yourself quite the enjoyable comedy.
Just remember to temper your expectations, I went in needing a laugh, and Carrey and company delivered. It's cute, funny, and disposable. Pretty much exactly what you need when you're desperately searching for a reprieve from too much family time this holiday season.
Review by: Greg MacLennan
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