Movie Review: Yes Man

YES MAN
Main Players: Jim Carrey, Zooey Deschanel, Bradley Cooper, et al.
Calling the shots: Peyton Reed
Running time: 104mins
What's it about? Simple, really. Carl plays life safe by saying “no” to almost every opportunity given to him. He is persuaded to attend an almost cult-like seminar, where saying “yes” is to live your life. He decides to give it a go with some funny outcomes and surprising results but as all comedies go, it starts to bite him back.

What did I think? This is vintage Jim Carrey. It’s almost has a nostalgic feel. His last physical comedy effort came in 05 with “Fun with Dick and Jane”, so it’s been a long time between drinks and it’s good to see a man do what he does best.

Obviously though, there’s a problem that lies there as well. As inspired as the initial idea for the movie is (a no man becomes a yes man) the movie falls back into the trap of becoming a very familiar, a much repeated, formulaic comedy; relying heavily on Carrey’s rubbery face and physical craziness to create the laughs, rather than the funny situations that it starts out with.

Having said that though, there are plenty of laughs to be had and at its very best, it’s absolutely hilarious (Deschanel’s band’s lyrics are hilarious). But the turning point half way through the movie feels very forced and because of that it loses the momentum it had created.

It has a fantastic cast of comedic actors. Rhys Darby steals most of his scenes as his nerdy boss; John Michael Higgins does his usual obsessed/crazed act, “That 70’s Show” alum Danny Masterson essentially plays Hyde. It’s also good to see Bradley Cooper in a non-asshole role and Zooey Deschanel is, as usual, her kooky, adorable self. Terence Stamp is awesome as the cult leader and seems to be having fun playing it manically.

There is a lot going for this movie. And it’s almost a step away from becoming something special. If only the Hollywood honchos weren’t so afraid to let it loose. Instead you get a re-cycled comedy that is, as funny as it is, very tired and very, very safe.

It is worthy of your time if you want to laugh but not much else; enjoyable enough without doing much else for you.

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