A story of obsession

Rating: 8/10 (17 July 2007)

I often find ( to my own disgust) I agree with most film critics' reviews. Perfect Stranger is a prime example. All the horrible things that were said about this film are true. I literally mean all of them. However...The Number 23 is a fine film. The film critics got it all wrong.
The Number 23, a story of obsession. Obsession with The Number 23, with death, with sex, with the past...It's a film about a paranoid man ( or is he right on the money?).It dares to ask us some philosophical questions: Does fate exist and are we bound to it? Are we responsible for our own choices or is a larger force at work? Can a man really change?. TN 23 asks us all those questions but doesn't go far enough. Unfortunately it stays pretty much on the surface most of the time. I wonder if Joel would have made a more daring film if he wasn't bound to some Hollywood censorship. The Number 23 isn't' what it seems: The whole numerology and paranoia storyline is just a tool to tell a completely different story. A much more interesting story that I will not unveil any further as it would be blasphemous...
I was a little disappointed to see another plot-driven film with a surprise ending. A film can be excellent without the often unnecessary twist ending. Also, the viewers will probably always associate the film with the ending and that's the only part that will be remembered. The twist wasn't that surprising either and it certainly was one of the most predictable and less ingenious plot twists. The best recent ones still remain Skeleton Key and The Sixth Sense ( ah also Lucky Number Slevin).
Jim Carrey does a good job although I was never truly blown away by his performance. He does, however, confirm his great performance in ESOTSM and proves he can be taken serious as a drama actor. The other actors were very mediocre, no real highs or lows. The director applies his own style and we can definitely see Joel's trademarks once again. Certainly not Joel's best film but a nice one to add to his portfolio.
The Number 23 is one of the few interesting films the year 2007 has produced and is definitely worth a look. Don't expect a masterpiece, because it has quite a lot of flaws, but try to start the film objectively and you will have a good time.
7.2/10