Excellent psychological thriller

Rating: 9/10 (17 August 2008)

I don't quite understand why the reviews of this film are bad? And why only 6.2 (at the time of writing) out of 10? This is a film that doesn't take the standard route of explanation. It has a slowly built twist which most reviewers obviously aren't expecting and therefore consider boring. Well go watch the Dark Knight again if you want that sort of excitement, because you won't find it here.
This film is great in it's own sense. Its an exploration of a character portrayed excellently by Mr Carey who has psychological problems which he never deals with, only suppresses. It's an excellent movie about obsession, paranoia and redemption. It's about a disturbed man exploring and confronting his past. And these themes it does better than any movie I have seen in years.
I think most people think the number 23 in this movie should have resulted in more conspiracy and "spookyness". In fact it is simply used as a tool to illustrate paranoid delusion and obsession. It could have been anything - aliens, the colour blue, a piece of clothing etc etc, but the writers decided to use a number.
If you can get over Jim Carey being in a dramatic role and want to see a well crafted, intelligent film, check this one out. Despite what other reviewers say it will keep you guessing and the ending is both important, fulfilling and true to the themes the movie presents.