Yes Man

Jeri Jacquin, Movie Maven

Opening in theatres this Friday is a comedy for the season with “Yes Man”.

This film tells the story of Carl Allen (Jim Carrey), who after a divorce can’t seem to find his way back into life. Working at the local bank Carl seems to be just plodding along with no direction.

One day his friend Nick (John Michael Higgins) tells him that he must learn to say “yes” and takes him to a seminar. While there, guru/seminar leader Terrance Bundley (Terrence Stamp) tells Carl he must embrace his life by saying “yes” to everything that comes his way.

Deciding to give it a try Carl does exactly that. Through a series of “yes’s” he meets Allison (Zooey Deschanel) a free spirited rocker who is one of the good “yes’s” of his life. Carl also has to deal with his best friend Peter (Bradley Cooper) who tests the “yes” factor every chance he gets.

In the end Carl realizes that even one world can have an impact, and that word in particular. He also realizes that saying “yes” to everything isn’t exactly the answer to all problems.

FINAL WORD: Carrey is at his usual comedy best. He grabs this role by the horns and plays it full tilt. There was so much laughter in the audience that I may have to see it again in case I missed anything.

As a Carrey fan, it is good to see this film because it shows the best of what he has come to be known for. The goofiness, physical antics and one-liners are sharp and just simple fun. It is not difficult to root for Carl, and even easier when he’s played by Carrey.

Deschanel is cute as Allison with her quirky life style that plays off of Carrey nicely. Even Stamp is funny with his small role. Molly Sims plays the ex-wife Bridgette briefly.

Rhys Darby plays Normal, the manager of the bank and someone who befriends Carl. Fionne Flanagan plays Tillie, a character you are not likely to forget for a long time!

TUBS OF POPCORN: I give “Yes Man” three and a half tubs of popcorn out of five. Yes, this is a little like “Liar, Liar” but be honest, that made people laugh too.

This is Carrey’s speciality, making us laugh and teach a lesson with a few tears mixed in at the same time. There is certainly nothing wrong with that.

Remember, yes is the new no!