Review of I Love You Phillip Morris (2010) by Jill R — 24 Sep 2014

"I Love You Philip Morris" is a movie of many moods and emotions, but at its heart it is a wonderful black comedy. a head-spinning story so convoluted and ridiculous that it had to be true. There are some sweet, tender moments here but essentially the movie, like its lead character, is one long con job roping the audience in and then sucker punching them repeatedly.

Many won't like that feeling, but I relished this one-of-a-kind, smart and terrifically funny film that is unique in every sense of the word. At the center of it all are the two lead performances by Jim Carrey and Ewan McGregor, who have never been more daring. Few things in the world of cinema are as exciting to me as when Carrey steps outside of his comfort zone, and he has never been more outside of it than he is right here. It's a terrific performance, and McGregor is equal to him. Amid all the laughs and cons, they share some remarkable quiet moments together that humanizes all of the illegal shenanigans and really gives the film its heart.

It's a real pleasure watching thus crazy tale unfold and develop into one of the most unpredictable and outlandish films I've seen in years. Because it's so unbelievable, you never doubt its authenticity for a moment. Co-writers and co-directors Glenn Ficarra and John Requa are quickly becoming favorites of mine with their audacious writing and bold filmmaking style. They walk quite a balancing act here, but they never alienate their audience.

Only the most close-minded of people will be turned off by "I Love You Philip Morris", and this is a film clearly not aimed at them anyway. For the rest of us, it's a film to be admired and cherished.