Now for a completely realistic review

Rating: 4/10 (31 January 2009)

I didn't expect much from The Number 23 and it certainly delivered. First the good points. Jim Carrey's dramatic acting is excellent and he's proved his versatility in previous films such as Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. In Number 23 he may have reached his apex, but for reasons to follow we may not have seen his full potential. The lighting and cinematography in this film is superb and it certainly makes an attempt to mesh with the plot/storyline. Now for the reasons why The Number 23 is so disappointing and/or rated so poorly. Jim Carrey has what I call "William Shatner Syndrome". Meaning, anything outside his typical comedic role makes many feel uncomfortable. I can imagine how many people immediately think Captain Kirk while seeing a Priceline commercial and how much of an idiot he looks like trying to be silly. The same applies to Carrey in dramatic roles and I don't think he'll ever be able to shake the rubber man moniker for some fans. He could if he was cast in a film with a good script. Why Carrey would do a film like Number 23 boggles my mind, and I blame this on his agent. The script and story of this movie is pathetic, completely un-engaging and unbelievable. If this story was to be graphed out on paper and charted, it would look like an upside-down "V". It plods in the beginning, builds "somewhat" to a peak, then falls of the edge of a cliff. I compare this story to something that would be made for television, or at best an HBO original presentation.
I gave this film a rating of 4 only for Carrey's acting and detail to lighting and cinematography. If I could segregate a minus 10 for the story I would, but I'll have to settle for minus 6.
Come on Jim, you've proved you can do better then this. Fire your agent.