Yes Man

Rating: 6/10 (16 January 2009)

Based on the non-fiction book by British TV presenter and journalist Danny Wallace (who I have seen on 8 Out of 10 Cats), this film has an intriguing concept. Basically Carl Allen (Jim Carrey) is a divorced man who spends most of his time working as a bank loan approval officer, supervised by immature manager Norman (New Zealander comedian Rhys Darby, who I've seen in The 100 Greatest Cartoons), staying at home lonely watching movies, and declining many proposals. After forgetting the engagement party for his friend Peter (Bradley Cooper), Carl is convinced by friend Nick (John Michael Higgins) to go to a motivational "Yes!" seminar, where inspirational guru Terrence Bundley (Priscilla, Queen of the Desert's Terence Stamp) teaches people to say "yes" to everything and start living. So from then on, Carl promises himself to say "yes" to every question, request, proposal and opportunity given to him. It starts off very promisingly, Carl doing things he wouldn't normally do, he finds positive things happening to him, having his own adventures, saving the life of a jumper (Snake Eyes' Luis Guzmán), getting a promotion, meeting the opposite to him, Allison (Elf's Zooey Deschanel), and ultimately getting a better perspective on life. Antics Carl gets up to include finding a Persian wife, learning Korean, learning to play the guitar, flying lessons, bungee jumping, and of course, attending the club, where he finds Allison again, and they get much closer. There is the point when Carl's recent activities are questioned by the authorities, and with Peter he forced to explain the reason behind his actions, and Allison assumes he did many things, saying "yes, despite no true desire, including hesitating before agreeing to move in with her, angry she leaves him. In the end, Terrence confirms to him that he doesn't have to say "yes" to absolutely everything, Carl says "no" to Allison's earlier question to moving in, admitting it is a big commitment, he asks her to give him another chance, she says "maybe", he says that this is good enough and they kiss to make a happy ending. Also starring Sasha Alexander as Lucy Barnes, Patrick Labyorteaux as Marv Winchell, Fionnula Flanagan as Tillie and Spencer Garrett as Multack, and look out for Danny Wallace himself as a man at the bar at the wedding shower. Carrey does not overshadow his performance with his usual slapstick humour, he makes a likable character, as does Deschanel being a little bit kooky but lovely, Darby does steal a few of his scenes, the script does have its slight predictability with the romantic plot, but you cannot deny it is an interesting concept with some original ideas thrown in, and it does make you laugh and warmhearted at the right moments, a worthwhile comedy. Good!