Review of Yes Man (2008) by Timothy S — 06 Aug 2011

For me, "Yes Man" was a special movie. It broke a decade long losing streak for star Jim Carrey, as this is his first film of his I've liked in ten years. It's by no means a great film, but there is a lot to like here starting with Carrey's enjoyable performance. He falls back on his mindless schtick a few too many times in order to please his diehard fans, but basically he's an every day guy that we can relate to. It' a fleshed out character with real problems, and Carrey sells it.

The film also gives co-star Zooey Deschanel her first real chance to shine. She's a talented actress who has been regulated to underwritten parts in the past, but here she gets to let her personality show through and she's extremely likable. The relationship between the two stars is sweet and sincere.

I also liked the positive message of the film about how changing your attitude can change your life. It sounds corny, but it works in the film. Several good moments come from that idea, including an amusing scene in which Carrey gives a bum a ride and an inspired moment where he talks a suicidal Luis Guzman off a ledge. It's perhaps the best moment in the film.

It may seem like yet another typical Jim Carrey gimmick movie like "Liar, Liar", but there's real heart here. He's not exactly growing as an actor just yet, but this is a clear step in the right direction. "Yes Man" features a lot less dumb humor and mugging for the camera in favor of an actual story. It breaks Carrey's drought, but it also begs the question, "How long can he keep it up?".