Surprisingly, it works

Rating: 7/10 (17 April 2009)

Like most of Jim Carrey's films, "Yes Man" is random, over-the-top, and silly. However, like many of his other films, this one works. It's a simple story about how a guy who always says no to everyone and chooses to spend all of his time alone is convinced to go to a club that will encourage him to say "yes" to everything and truly live his life. As a result, he is challenged to say "yes" to every opportunity that comes his way, which ends up advancing his job, friendships, love life, etc. No matter how much or little you know about the film, you'll probably be able to predict just about everything that will happen. Nevertheless, it proved to be a tender and uplifting story anyway. Despite the random and corny jokes throughout, I found myself laughing. This film easily stands up to Carrey's similar films ("Bruce Almighty," "Fun With Dick and Jane"), and is in some ways even better than those. I enjoyed the romantic parts of the film as well, with Zooey Deschanel providing a great female companion for the story. Of course this is not perfect, but a Jim Carrey film like this is one we do not (and cannot) expect to be perfect. Not great, but enjoyable, and you won't feel like you wasted your time. By the way, I could relate to Carrey in the film, understanding how he often preferred to spend his time alone. Maybe you'll relate to it as well, and enjoy it just that much more.
*** out of ****