"Yes Man" Review

Lately, there had been some influx of movies I wanted to see. The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, Seven Pounds, Valkyrie, The Tale of Despereaux...

I am rather fond of historical or serious movies, so I guess it seems a little out of place for me to want to see "Yes Man." I suppose you could say I'm something of a movie elitist--I love it when I know the plotlines of obscure movies, and I frown deeply upon most comedies.

I think my desire to see the movie was that the idea that a person, forced to say yes in every situation, was really interesting. Not to mention that I am having a current fascination with Jim Carrey and Zoey Deschanel is one of my favorite actresses. That was the cincher. I had to see this.

Thing is, I don't watch movies often...Or ever, actually. So on January 1, when my brother and I were fully in the onset of evening boredom, we went out to see Valkyrie, old ticket coupons in hand.

But Valkyrie wasn't "old enough" for us to use the coupons so we opted for Yes Man.

I don't want to spoil it, but I loved the message. I thought it was really fitting for me to watch it on January 1, the start of a new year.

The plot is fairly simple: A man accustomed to rejecting everything is forced to start saying yes to everything and he finds that he's enjoying life more.

He learns that if you keep saying no, you will never live.

But at the same time, you have to be responsible for what you say yes to.

I thought the acting was fantastic. Jim Carrey has a way of being one of those somewhat awkward and strange but not over the top characters, and I think, at least from what I remember as a kid, his acting style has improved. Zoey always plays something of a hipsterchick, and for good reason! She's GOOD at it. I adored her character. Thought she was adorable.


I know the movie has a mediocre rating, but I think the movie touched something in me. I'm still in between growing and holding on, and that theme is something I want to absorb and become. Responsible is something I need to be.

I wish people would go in and look at the movie for what it is: a lesson. Instead of going in and coming out thinking, "Well, it was kind of funny," I wish they would come out thinking, "Wow, that was an interesting way of living life. Maybe I should do that too."

Am I just letting my life imitate art, or something, though? Life imitating art, art imitating life? I don't think so. This is why I like serious movies: I feel like I have a reason to think about them and let it affect me. Though, in some ways, it isn't bad. We let books affect us, right?

Regardless, I think it is okay this time. It is a good movie. It has a cute plot, wonderful characters, and a good message. It is my 2009 theme movie.

Say yes, mmk?