I watched Bruce Almighty last night. Bruce was alrighty, but strangely, not particularly memorable. I know I was crying a little at the similarities in mine and Jennifer Aniston's situation (although I am not dating a man invested with the power of God, or even a member of the clergy). I do remember thinking that Jim Carrey's slipping. What used to be cute in Ace Ventura is downright juvenile when mixed with Carrey's newfound acting chops. He has quite a few Oscar-worthy moments that are ruined with and an extended "go-hooo-hooo-hoood."
Not that I am advocating the Tom Hanks school of never looking back at your comedy roots, Carrey can't help being funny — he's a funny guy — it just makes the story lose momentum every time there's a bad CGI-gag thrown in.
The guy does have potential to be the next Jimmy Stewart, but he has to stop trying to be with stinkers like The Majestic and move on with unique, original fare. Hopefully The Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind will be "the one" for him. Although its striking similarites to Vanilla Sky could be a potential problem. At least we won't have to wallow through Penelope Cruz's accent (read the Now Magazine review of Gothika if you want to read bitchy on Penelope: "If anyone wants proof that Penelope Cruz doesn't speak English, it's here...she delivers the film's most overripe dialogue without hinting that she's aware of its meaning.")
Althought the promotion for the DVD hints at hours (ok, 40 minutes) of extra footage and outtakes, this is a far cry from Lord of the Rings additions. Even sadder, for those still stuck inthe technological stone ages of VHS, there's a paltry five extra minutes during the closing credits, and they're not even particularly funny. Saying the wrong word in a take should not constitute a "Hilarious Blooper!" Dick Clark being wailed on by Ed McMahon, now that would be funny. Both of them being hit by a taxi (a la Elf would be even better).
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Article comments
1 - TDavid
I've liked many of the God related flicks. Oh God, of course, being the best. Jim Carey has a long way to fall with movies like Cable Guy in his rearview mirror.
2 - Eric Olsen
Thanks Amber, welcome back, we've missed you. I think Jim Carrey has turned out to be a pretty amazing actor. His schtick is predictable but he has ventured pretty far from it with The Truman Show and Man on the Moon at minimum. He is not one-dimensional like many comedian-actors. He is as good or better than both Steve Martin and Robin Willians.
3 - Craig Lyndall
I saw this movie this weekend as well, and I was left just thinking it was cute. It didn't amaze me the way Truman did, and it wasn't as strikingly entertaining as Liar, Liar. Still, it is a pretty decent movie.
I would also echo Eric's statements about Carrey as an actor. I think he definitely has Robin Williams caliber performances in him. It's still hard for me to believe how good Robin was in Good Will Hunting.