Watch it on your own and then decide...

Rating: 9/10 (19 March 2005)

At last, a film that shows Jim Carey CAN play it subtle and very convincingly. I always knew that under the clown persona he could act believably. Nice one Jim, act more non-gimp roles, you do it well! I was recommended this film by friends but resisted because of Carey's headline role... What a pleasant, different (and touching) surprise this film is. Like all Kaufman scripted films, a second viewing is essential to truly appreciate the direction it goes in.
The soundtrack is lovely, reminded me of American Beauty in that it's quite subtle but would make a completely different film with its absence. Carey and Winslet's most memorable and moving scenes involve a subtle background by Jon Brion, very well scored.
Jim Carey and Kate Winslet both play against type and do a great job. The fact that they are so different from each other does strain at the would-they-really-be-a-couple boundaries, but it doesn't matter. The film is so charming that the relationship between the leads plays only a part in the bigger picture. It's the tone and atmosphere of the film as a whole that makes this picture so warm, quirky and endearing. The director should be applauded here.
The supporting cast does an excellent job... Kirsten Dunst and Elijah Wood dismiss the pressures of mega-stardom (Spider-Man and Lord Of The Rings) to add to the tone. Wood is such a sad sleaze-bag that thinks nothing of stealing an identity ("I stole her panties"), excellent! Dunst is great at playing it babbling-stoned, and as a younger mortal with an infatuation on a wiser, older guy (Tom Wilkinson is great too). Very true and believable...
High points... The elephant parade (with Kirsten Dunst's Pope monologue - short, just in the right place hence film perfection), Cary and Winslet "We're playing", "He's trying to kill me", and of course "Meet me in Montogue" (+ Jon Brion music) ...
The Low-ish Points: Carey almost hitting "gimp" routine with the child recreation (unnecessary)... but saved by Winslet's hilarious "this is my crotch" response.
Big surprise. This was recommended by friends who know I detest Carey's "comedy" acts. Anybody who has seen a relationship end but later looks back on it affectionately will get something out of this.
Most surprising film of the last few years in that when I saw the "Carey" sleeve on the DVD rack, I reckoned on a stupid over-the-top "comedy", but was rewarded with a smart, moving and thoughtful relationship driven film.
One to watch on your own late at night... Excellent