In Contention

Tag: Yes Man

  • Jim Carrey on the rise?

    I’ve been pulling for Jim Carrey the whole way, I tell you.  I was a massive fan in the 90s, starting with “the white guy on ‘In Living Color’” days, through the silly comedies critics loathed and the eventual Oscar-baiting (some of it actually worthy).

    The last decade has seen ups and downs for the actor.  Things started nicely with box office smashes like “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” and “Bruce Almighty,” but things really wore thin on “Fun with Dick and Jane” and “Yes Man,” to say nothing of the abysmal “The Number 23.”

    There was the peculiar pre-break-up breakdown earlier this year to cause concern, but then there are the career-topping performances in “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind” and this 2010’s “I Love You Phillip Morris” to consider as well.  The latter, I think, might be his best work to date.

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  • ‘A Christmas Carol’ poster

    I was a big fan of Robert Zemeckis’s “The Polar Express” in 2004, but “2007’s “Beowulf” didn’t work for me very much.  I had some major issues with the way 3D was used in the film.  But I’ve been very excited for “A Christmas Carol” ever since the project was announced.

    I’ve stood on the sidelines and watched Jim Carrey’s career spiral out of control in the wake of his career-best performance in “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind.”  2005’s “Fun with Dick and Jane” and last year’s “Yes Man” are just incredibly impotent comedies that didn”t give Carrey, a bona fide star, the chance to shine.  “The Number 23,” meanwhile — well, just don’t get me started on that unfortunate project.  It’s all very sad.  Maybe this film will light up his career once again.

    The poster for “A Cristmas Carol” has finally hit, and I expect it to be the first of many (since Carrey will be taking on four characters in the film — great opportunity for marketing).  Take a look:

    A Christmas Carol

  • Top ten things Jim Carrey will always say ‘yes’ to

    What can I say? I kinda want to see this flick:

  • Say what you will about him, he’s a consummate showman

  • Jim Carrey and Ewan McGregor do the nasty

    (from left) Ewan McGregor and Jim Carrey in I Love You Phillip MorrisThe first still for “I Love You Phillip Morris” has been released, and it’s an enticing shot for the two or three people in the world who’d like to see these guys bumping uglies…

    But seriously, I do think it’s hilarious that this film was pitched as “‘Catch Me If You Can’ meets “Brokeback Mountain.’”  Gotta give Hollywood one of those recipe pitches every now and then, assure the suits that they aren’t straying TOO far from the norm.

    I’ve never read Steve McVicker’s book, but it does sound interesting.  And no, it’s not about a man who falls in love with Big Tobacco.

    I also like Jim Carrey’s choice of material lately.  As “Liar Liar”-ish as “Yes Man” sounds, it could be a solid piece of work and “Morris,” of course, coming from the “Bad Santa” team, has a lot of potential.  I’m also looking forward to “The Christmas Carol,” which could be dazzling.

    The guy sure could use a boost after three stinkers in a row.

  • WB fall preview…nothing for ‘Gran Torino’

    Rope of Silicon beat us to the punch and posted the new shots from Warner Bros. Pictures’ fall preview press kit. There are new shots from “Appaloosa,” “Body of Lies” and “Yes Man,” among others. Then you get to the one we’re all foaming at the mouth for in anticipation, Clint Eastwood’s “Gran Torino,” and there’s nothing. Just this bit of prose:

    Clint Eastwood stars in the drama “Gran Torino,” marking his first film role since his Oscar-winning “Million Dollar Baby.” Eastwood also directs the film in which he plays Walt Kowalski, an iron-willed veteran living in a changing world, who is forced by his immigrant neighbors to confront his own long-held prejudices.

    Wow. Thanks, WB.

    Anyway, I especially dig this new “Appaloosa” image:

    (from left) Viggo Mortensen and Ed Harris in Appaloosa

  • Jim Carrey’s ‘Yes Man’ gets a trailer

    httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cfsa20F9bI8