Review of The Number 23 (2007) by Alexander C — 07 Dec 2012

There's no such thing as destiny. There are only different choices. Some choices are easy, some aren't. Those are the really important ones, the ones that define us as people.

Walter Sparrow becomes obsessed with a novel that he believes was written about him involving the number 23. As his obsession increases, more and more similarities seem to arise with his own life.

Jim Carrey as Walter Sparrow does some good narration and acting.

Virginia Madsen as Agatha Sparrow plays a moderate part as a disturbed wife.

Some good ideas but not too original. Seems to spiral off, gets lost in plot twists as the story gets to two-thirds in.

I watched the unrated version which contained a few graphic scenes. There was quite a fair bit of sex also in this which could have been cut down.

The music was superb, and the visuals. Liked the comic-book feel to it in the first half. I really do get frustrated with Joel Schumacher who redeemed himself with Phantom Of The Opera only to churn out this let down. A better film than Batman & Robin which is not surprising with that turgid mess.

It ends like a flat wet pop that makes you feel as if you've just been sucked in only to be impolitely spat out after being tricked into watching this long affair.

So the first half full of flair and some good touches, yet the second half disappointing and dull with surprises few and far between.

To wrap it up, all together NOW! one... two... three...

''Twenty-fucking-three! ''.