Darn good motivational comedy, yes!

Rating: 8/10 (13 January 2009)

I went to this film dreading the worst, and came out yes, saying "yes" quite a bit more often. Bearing in mind the "meaning" of it, not saying a monosyllable, and taking it all with a pinch of salt (like the self-help guru Terrence Bundley teaches our man in the hospital), this movie is fun, well made, and doesn't pretend deep meaningful questions. Popcorn movie? Yes, but good one! Only once did I feel I was into another formulaic trap. In my case, it was when Carl was riding the super motorcycle. It felt like The Mirror Has Two Faces (Streisand's), which was copied in (among others), "How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days", etc.
Moving to the stuff of life: I love Zooey Deschanel's Allison! Of course, I don't know if I'd stand anything like her in real life, but isn't she lovely as a woman living by her own rules, not wanting to be stereotyped "I've got fears, too!" near the end, and yes, charmingly out of tune with reality :)? I feel the part suits her perfectly. Unlike another try of Carrey to play something sort of serious: Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind's Kate Winslet, who's just crass, and totally... uninviting :).
Bradley Cooper and his other sex addicted friend are fine, the scenes with the old lady are a bit too much to, well, swallow, and
Rhys Darby is great. I didn't know the actor, but playing a perfect goof takes guts! I felt pity for old Norman, which is good in such an "optimistic" film. Molly Sims is cool as a stupid gorgeous materialistic woman. John Cothran Jr.'s voice is good for a boss. I am having nightmares with it :). The joke on cops being paranoid about yes, "suspiciously chosen activities" "Who goes on holidays to Lincoln, Nebraska" :)? is fun, if a bit stereotyped Hollywood "liberalism" as Americans like to misname it.
I agree with IDMB's reviewer bopdog from Cardiff, Wales about a) the film being uplifting b) Carrey becoming "a bit more human, and a bit more approachable". Morale? Go and enjoy uncritically (if you can)!