The Age of Commercialism

The movie really just wants to entertain people.

This is a gorgeous movie made by a gorgeous spirit.

It’s fine. It's literally the definition of a fine movie. You’ve seen it before, you know every beat and outcome before the characters even do. Only question is how much escapism you’re looking for.

One word: AMAZING. A tear jerking film that was totally worth watching, I saw it once but wasn't watching it seriously so I had to watch it again (cried both times though!). I thought it was weird at first seeing Jim Carrey play a gay man with Ewan McGregor but you come to realise that the film is just about pure love, persistence, and connection between two people. This is the first film I've seen where it actually made sense and worked SO WELL it kind of surprised me how into it I got. I could genuinely understand their relationship in a very weird but wonderful way. The intelligence and wit of Jim's very complex but pure at heart character is truly something to behold, conning his way through jobs in amazingly crafty ways along with the very soft, quiet, and lovable character Ewan plays is crafted in a way that I can't put into words; it just worked so well. Although the two characters are polar opposites, they work so harmoniously together. If you want a film that isn't just your 'stereotypical hot gay gays' film and is funny, sad, and exciting then it is perfect; a must watch, I wish the film went on longer. Amazing as well to realise that this was actually based on real life. Perfect film.

Now, while most comedies are pretty bland, as direction goes: I was actually really surprised and I REALLY appreciated the fact that the filmmakers genuinely put effort and creativity into making this. The film got quite a few laughs out of me from it's cinematography and editing. However, I wasn't getting much laughs from the script, which is a problem. Another problem I had was that the movie felt so rushed. They included so much that you never really got the chance to grasp anything.I thought Jim Carrey's character, Steven Russell, was pretty interesting, but Carrey's performance stopped me from really caring for him. His performance was just out of place; his over the top southern accent felt like it belonged in a SNL skit rather than a movie. There was a scene where Carrey was delivering, what was supposed to be, an emotional monologue, but due to his performance, it just did nothing for me.ALTHOUGH, his co-actor Ewan McGregor, who played Philip Morris, was pretty great. I heard Ewan put a lot of work and research into this role, and it shows. His child-like naiveté and trusting nature felt very believable, and unlike Carrey, I actually got choked up during an emotional monologue that Ewan delivered. EVEN THOUGH I knew exactly where that movie was heading, his performance still got me.Anyways, I really wish I could love this movie, but the problems I had with it were just a bit too much. Although, I would say it's worth checking out for the effort and creativity, Ewan, and the pretty interesting story, to say the least.

Probably the worst, if not THE worst movie I have ever seen. Granted, I actually rented the DVD as an after thought since I usually like both of the headline actors, Jim Carrey and Ewan McGregor. Man, did I ever get broadsided (yeah, right) by this one. Anyway, in hindsight, I realize now that I would have been better off renting "Waterworld" again. Even if I was gay, I think this film would make me feel exploited and embarrassed by its lack of coherent direction and plot. The potential for something much more interesting and relevant was there but sadly shallow in in its character development and conclusion. Even though I knew this movie was not going to be some compelling and seminal piece of work, I still wanted something better than an hour-and-a-half night light. No wonder this was such a box office bomb - I think "Plan B From Outer Space" had a better gross.

I Love You Philip Morris is based on a true story of a real life con man Steven Russell. Playing Steve Russell is Jim Carrey in his best acting performance to date. This indie film is a very well structured drama/comedy that has strong storytelling, great acting and direction and large doses of black humor. The story starts as Steve Russell living a straight life as a cop with his wife and daughter. After an automobile accident he decides to come out of the closet and live his life as a gay man. He soon realizes that to maintain his lavish and flamboyant lifestyle require more than his honest job wage can suppliment. So, he orchestrates a series of scams that put him in prison. He then meets the love of his life, Philip Morris and as the romance escalates, so does the scams. Jim Carrey is brilliant in this role and Ewan Mc Gregor deserves a lot of credit as well. I have no idea how much of this story is truth or fiction, but it is a remarkable story. Overall the film is very smart, funny and well made. Great movie.