Jim Carrey, recycled

Funny guy Jim Carrey has a long list of movie titles under his belt, from “Horton Hears a Who!” and “Lemony Snicket’s A Series of Unfortunate Events” to “Me, Myself and Irene” and “Bruce Almighty.” However, it seems that in each of his performances, something can be likened to one – or several – previous roles.

In the case of his latest film, “Yes Man,” you see not only the standard Carrey crazy faces, strange voices and hilarious acting, but also a plot and performance that is strangely reminiscent of the 1997 film “Liar Liar.” Carrey did well in that role, and perhaps that is why director Peyton Reed chose him to play Carl Allen ten years later.
Carl is a typical Negative Nancy – er, Nathan – who always seems to say no.

That is, until he attends a “Yes” seminar. The speaker, Terrence Bundley (Terence Stump), tells him that you “can’t audit life” and submits Carl to verbal public stoning for being a “no man.” Consequently, Terrence convinces Carl to make a covenant with himself that he will say yes to every opportunity.

Carl subsequently meets a wonderful girl, takes Korean lessons and attends a bridal shower for his best friend’s fiancee.

Several parts of the movie stand out. Carrey’s acoustic rendition of Third Eye Blind’s “Jumper” is both comic and touching in its suicidal context. The vision of Carrey on a motorcycle in a hospital gown, which is flapping in the wind to expose an exceedingly pale ass is a laugh-out-loud moment.

Overall, “Yes Man” is definitely a comic and entertaining film. However, it is by no means anything ground-breaking.
 – Danielle Rindler

Grade: B