Yes Man (2008)

3 Stars (out of 4)

Affirmative

By Jeffrey M. Anderson

For his fourth feature film, Peyton Reed (Down with Love, The Break Up) takes on a fun, but not exactly brilliant screenplay and turns in a comedy funny enough to while away a couple of pleasant hours this holiday season. Jim Carrey stars as Carl, a divorced loan officer who has given up on life, spending his evenings sulking and watching bad movies (like 300). A buddy convinces him to attend a seminar, led by guru Terrence Bundley (Terence Stamp), which requires him to respond to every opportunity with a resounding "yes." He finds that if he says "no," the universe doubles back on him and gives him trouble. This setup, of course, leads to some quick, throwaway jokes and a few other running gags, and it also introduces him to the adorable, life-loving Allison (Zooey Deschanel). I knew the other shoe would drop at some point near the third act, but I was unable to see just how, and the movie surprised me. Carrey looks a bit thin and tired here, but he's just as funny as always, and Deschanel makes a perfect match for him, bringing her unique brand of relaxed honesty to the screen and providing a nice calming effect. Reed doesn't give the film as much of a clear-eyed visual style as he did his last films, but he at least moves it along quickly (though some viewers will be annoyed by the many product placements). A roster of familiar comic faces (John Michael Higgins, Bradley Cooper, etc.) provide support.

Tweet