Yes Man (2008)

Plot of Yes Man: Carl works in a bank. He is bored out of his mind by his job which mainly consists of rejecting requests for loans. He has also been divorced by his attractive wife who he sees occasionally in bars with her new squeeze. He has a friend Peter, but frequently stand him up in favour of watching videos. Then a friend introduces him to a guru who recommends always saying yes, and at a mass event Carl agrees to go for it. From the get go his life changes leading him to an event where a band appears with a kooky singer, Allison. They strike up a friendship and become an item, leading to them taking part in some wild events together, and Carl’s status at the bank improving because of course he has been giving out loans for all sorts of loony projects, but which have nevertheless made money. However when Carl is arrested by the FBI who suspect him of being a terrorist. Peter reveals the truth, to the FBI and also to Allison who walks out, not believing that Carl’s feelings are real. Is it the end for them?

Content: No actual nudity but some implied sex, including Carl getting a blow job from a quite elderly lady who removes her teeth first. A joint is smoked once and there is a lot of drinking, since Carl cannot refuse to join parties. Jim Carrey does a lot of Jim Carrey sort of stuff but others contribute. The Yes Conference, hosted by Terrence (Stamp) is great and having agreed to say yes to everything Carl starts to learn to fly an aircraft, learn Korean and play the guitar. And saves a potential jumper by playing a song “Jumper” which the audience on the ground join in with, hence saving the man. Carl and Allison ride about quite a bit on Allison’s Vespa scooter.

A View: The critics were a bit sniffy about this outing mainly because the plot is similar to that of another Carrey vehicle Liar Liar, but it is still good fun and has apparently made more than $200 million to date on a $70 million budget. Actually one wonders where all the money went since it is not really very challenging in terms of sets and effects. But never mind, I did laugh and enjoyed the romantic interest, which makes a change. So it’s not wonderful but worth your time, although possibly not a watch with your granny.

Fun Fact: It is difficult to believe that anyone else was considered for the role of Carl, but apparently Bill Murray was offered it and turned it down.