Jim Carrey stars as Carl Allen, a disenchanted loan account manager whose negativity deeply restricts his life. After a chance encounter with an old friend, he embarks on a challenge to say yes to everything for a whole year; this brings a mixture of highs and lows, including a chance encounter with Allison, an alluring woman.
From the moment I saw this advertised in the bus-stop, I knew I had to see it; maybe it was because it was the festive season, but childhood memories of Jim Carrey induced laughter filled my brain, and I wanted more. I read that many felt the story was a rip-off of 'Liar Liar', but it's been ten years since I've seen that film, and I don't remember it much at all, so it didn't effect my experience of the film.
First off, this is a feel good film, full of comedy and laughter. The overwhelming message of the film is 'live a little', and I cringed at how much I could relate to the Allen of the early part of the film. It's a lightweight movie, but the simple message is very effective: enjoy yourself, get out of your comfort zones. I found it a refreshing experience, and it actually caused me to question the way I am, and endeavour to lighten up a bit, which is no small feat for a film.
The acting is great: Carrey gives a performance that isn't particularly deep, but is just right for his character. The performance of Zooey Deschanel as Allison is the show stopper for me. I suppose a lot of it comes down to the script, but the presentation of a lovable, kooky odd-ball is just fantastic, and makes her really endearing. The chemistry between Carrey and Deschanel is authentic and rich, and this is certainly one film where the love story doesn't ruin it.
In terms of suitability, there is a quite shockingly sexual scene with an old woman that would make this inappropriate for children, which is actually a shame as the rest of the film is family friendly for sure. The 'old woman sex scene' is pretty stomach churning and, whilst I normally love adult humour, feels a little out of place in a film that is so accessible apart from this gag (and I use that word in many ways here!)
Over all, this is a lighthearted film with a simple yet profound message behind it, that I found very enjoyable. At 104 minutes, it never drops in pace, and keeps you entertained the whole way through.
How helpful would this review be to a person making a buying decision? Rating guidelines
Comedy - Director: Tony Dow - Original Language: English - Classification: 12 years and over - Starring: John Challis, David Jason, Nicholas Lyndhurst, Tessa Peake-Jones, Gwyneth Strong
Comedy - Original Language: English - Classification: 12 years and over - Starring: Tessa Peake-Jones, Buster Merryfield, David Jason, Nicholas Lyndhurst
Comedy - Director: Richard Boden, Mandie Fletcher, Martin Shardlow - Original Language: English - Classification: 15 years and over - Starring: Hugh Laurie, Miranda Richardson, Stephen Fry, Brian Blessed, Tim McInnerny, Tony Robinson, Rowan Atkinson
Advantages: Gives very good lesson, has very good story and moreover is very entertaining. Disadvantages: The second half of movie was a little bit dull.
archibald123 09.12.2009 ·
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful
Review of Yes Man
Advantages: Gives very good lesson, has very good story and moreover is very entertaining. Disadvantages: The second half of movie was a little bit dull.
archibald123 09.12.2009 ·
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful
Review of Yes Man
Jan 14th, 2009
very helpful by (100%):
