Review of I Love You Phillip Morris (2010) by Andrew C — 15 Oct 2011

Jim Carrey seems to always get incarcerated in Academy Award Prison for his constant snubs for acting nominations. And that is once again the case in being snubbed last year for his stellar cellar leading performance as real-life gay con man Steven Russell in "I Love You Phillip Morris". The real Russell is serving a prison life sentence. The film is based on Russell's astonishing con plays and his love for cellmate Phillip Morris. Russell was ingenious on how he was able to con others to believe that he was a police officer, lawyer, chief financial officer, and more characterizations for monetary and acceptance purposes. But foremost, he was doing it all to provide a glamorous life for Morris, who he met in one of his jail stints. It is a sure thing that flamboyancy & homosexuality is displayed in the movie, but Directors Glenn Ficarra and John Requa excelled at keeping the movie primarily focused on the "what one would do for love" aspect than making "The Birdcage Part 2". Ficara and Requa's script was also quite sharp, humorous, and enlightening. There is a lot to love about Ewan McGregor's restrained & sensitive performance as Phillip Morris, but there is no reservation in stating that it was Carrey's textbook portrayal of Russell that was the main "real deal" of "I Love You Phillip Morris"; the zest Carry brought into the complex role make it one of the best performances of his career. Now there were a few pitfalls in this movie that made me not fall in love with "I Love You Phillip Morris" which I rather not indulge in because of personal beliefs; but there is no doubt in my mind that I liked you, Phillip Morris.

**** Good.