Yes is the New No

In his latest film, Yes Man, Jim Carrey returns to the screen in his crazy antic self, although this time he is a little older, a little more subdued, but just as funny. Carrey plays the role of Carl Allen, a bank loan officer who finds his constant declines at work have filtered into his personal life since his wife of six months left him over two years ago. Still bitter, Carl is forever ignoring friends requests to go out or do anything more than checking out videos at the local Blockbuster.

That all changes when he is coerced into attending a "Say Yes!" seminar by his friend Nick (the hilarious John Michael Higgins). Inspired by the guru Terrence (Terence Stamp), Carl now decides that he will say yes to every opportunity that comes his way. Of course, informing others of his new philosophy leads him into situations that at first seem inopportune, but in movie magic fashion, end up being the best thing for him.

Digging his free spirit ways is Allison (Zooey Deschanel), Carl's love interest that he meets the first night of his new found ways. Deschanel plays the adorable quirky girl role that is familiar to her, and she does so brilliantly, though the age difference between the two actors (they are exactly 18 years apart) might be a bit too much for some moviegoers to make a convincing love story.

There are also some elements that will undoubtedly remind the audience of Jim Carrey's 1997 hit Liar, Liar. The comparisons are not helped by the screenwriters' decision to make Carl afraid of what will happen if he changes his response to a negative one; it's a little too close to Liar Liar's magically induced truth telling. However, this film is a fun escape from a world that makes it all too easy to be isolated and negative.

While it may not make you compelled to say yes to everything that comes your way, it may make you think before giving an automatic no at your next opportunity. Check it out at the matinee show or wait for a rainy day rental.