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23 of 28 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Much-needed levity, 26 Dec 2008
Yes Man is loosely based on the book by a British chap called Danny Wallace. (Hollywood is hoovering up our comedians, it seems... and if that sentence isn't laden with huffiness, I wrote it wrong.) The film and the book differ in all ways but the name, almost, so if you read it and you're hoping to see its likeness on the screen, you'll be really disappointed, maybe... but perhaps that's not necessarily a bad thing, as the film really is most good.
Zooey Deschanel (of Elf fame - she sings in this, too... such a treat!) plays the love interest and Terence Stamp is the self-help guru who galvanizes our hero. Both are excellent but, as usual, it's all about the Carrey who stars as Carl Allen, a fella whose life is a terrible shade of grey. He displays all the symptoms of depression, and his performace actually resonated quite deeply. He doesn't go out except to go to work where his day consists of answering "No" to loan applicants and he actively avoids human contact - including his friends - often going to great lengths to do so... he's created a bubble that he exists in, and he is unhappy and very much alone having bricked himself in.
Carrey is under-rated as a serious actor - but this is the same chap who gave a beautiful performance in The Truman Show. In Yes Man, his portrayal of a depressed man is really very authentic, and if you recognise his behaviour in yourself (as I did) you may find early parts of the film a little difficult. It's an out and out comedy, but seeing something so personal - shameful - on the big screen can be painful.
His humour is broad, it has to be said: many feel that it's lowest common denominator fare and it's impossible to tell someone whether they'll find something funny or not. That everyone was laughing simultaneously while watching isn't terribly convincing or telling, either. But, I laughed out loud several times, and found him hugely likeable. There's nothing cynical or mean about this, at all: it's well-natured, and happy and a much needed shot of simple, cheerful goodness in a sea of comedy that's spiteful and "confrontational" and full of knowing glances. Equally, I can well see many finding this genuinely inspirational: I'm not sure how realistic it all is, but it's certainly a wonderful message about embracing life and being less afraid of what it has to offer.
Yes Man is a lovely film; one that can very much lift your spirits. I left the film feeling really quite uplifted and comforted and I recommend it very much. Not least because everyone should see Carrey squeezed into a toddler's Hogwarts jumper at least once in their life...
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12 of 17 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
"YES!", 24 Feb 2009
`Yes Man' stars funny-man Jim Carrey as Carl Allen, a man who since his wife left him 3 years ago has became very negative, very self reserved and doesn't grab at any opportunities. One day he sees an old friend who tells him about a program he has joined where he must say "Yes!" to everything and it will reward you in return. Carl eventually goes along and begins to say "Yes!" to literally everything.
I wasn't expecting much from this film as it has received quite a few below average reviews in the media but I was so surprised at how much I liked this. Carrey is excellent and although he still gives a hilarious and crazy performance, his character is a little darker than normal, making this film a little more like The Truman Show or Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, as opposed to Liar Liar as I was expecting. Supporting role from Zoey Deschanel in particular is brilliant with the scenes with her band and the self-photography making me literally laugh out loud on a number of occasions. Also Rhys Darby who plays Carl's boss was very funny and peculiar and is a great new comer that I look forward to seeing in future films.
The story is fantastic and really is heart-warming and at times can be a little inspirational - I have actually said "Yes" once or twice to things I normally wouldn't have since watching this - and kind of defines the phrase "feel-good movie" for me. Overall this is a great film that I can't wait to see again and I highly recommend it to anyone who loves fun and happy comedies and is yet more proof of why Carrey is the best at what he does.
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8 of 12 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
what starts as interesting turns into ordinary, 3 Jan 2009
Negative no man Carl Allen (Carrey) is challenged to say yes to every offer that comes his way.
Based on Danny Wallace's experiences and his best selling novel, the comedy takes a great concept from Wallace and puts an intriguing spin on a no man's life that will make viewers believe in themselves before they are left in doubt as the film dives into cinematic hero ending.
Jim Carrey is a comic genius. Being a huge fan myself, I have found it hard these last 5 years without his charismatic unique humour absent from the big screen. Not since Bruce Almighty has Carrey been his true funny self and not since Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind has he delivered a memorable performance and with this intriguing concept of a hard life and turning it into fun would be right up the star's street.
As charming and easy to watch as the actor is, his humour is yet again absent and if you plan on seeing this film because you are a fan, I'm afraid you will be disappointed.
However the concept of saying yes to everything keeps the film alive as Carl battles all the obstacles to continue his route of honesty. As we see Carl accept invitations to fancy dress parties, helping out an old lady and giving a lift to a homeless guy we are invited into the film and are imagining ourselves in that position. Could you say yes to everything that comes your way?
Instead of being a battle of options Carl simply accepts everything in his stride which has a feel good motive and an ideology of doing the right thing or you will be punished. When we see the signs of reluctance Carl is punished in the daftest of lucky coincidences you will ever view. But as a viewer you are always routing for Carl to continue to say yes
It is very relaxing and assuring to see Carl having happy moments because of his positive behaviour and this further encourages audiences to believe in themselves. On leaving the cinema I thought strongly about that viewing and thought how different life would be with that simple word.
It's a wonder how this thought would still be present as closing in on the finish the film takes a dismal clichéd turn as Carl fights to redeem his vital mistake that is every romantic convention right there in front of you.
Yes Man has one of the finest soundtracks of the year with music from Eels and Munchausen by Proxy that further establishes a positive vibe.
Though the first half makes us believe the climax runs into an ordinary spiral that makes it feel like another film and nothing special.
7/10
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