Directors: Glenn Ficarra and John Requa
Stars: Jim Carrey, Ewan McGregor
Based on the true story of conman Steven Jay Russell (Carrey), and his love affair with fellow prison inmate Phillip Morris (McGregor). From the writing team behind Bad Santa, this light-hearted romp premiered at the Sundance Film Festival back in January of 2009, and, other festival appearances aside, has been sitting on the shelf until just last month.
The candy-coated surface of the story are the flim-flams and grifts that Steven perpetrates on his co-workers and wardens, but the chocolate center is the gay love story. This proves to be the films worst financial handicap, and greatest critical advantage. Yes, it is a unique twist on your standard, heterosexual version of this type of tale; but is it especially well made? Nah. It is, however, quite entertaining.
It does allow one to view the archetypal romantic comedy from a more interesting perspective. Sure, Phillip Morris is a vacuous character; but is that different from any role that Marilyn Monroe ever played? They show (well. . . imply) Ewan McGregor spitting semen into the ocean; not something that you would ordinarily see in a heterosexual romantic comedy. Is it the product of two straight writers projecting an overt sexuality onto their gay characters, perhaps simply in an attempt to ruffle feathers? Is this how most homosexual men would prefer to be portrayed (i.e. This is all of me, take it or leave it)? Would it be possible to have a completely "innocent" love story between two men, without sex being a central focus?
Sociological philosophy aside, the actors play their parts well, and have great chemistry together. And the cons, mostly true, are completely outrageous and amazing. Carrey is perfectly cast in the role, being able to swing ably between "Aw-Shucks" charmer and mischievous swindler. There aren't any real "show stopper" moments, but there is a steady, reliable sense of wonder and amusement to the proceedings.
I'm looking forward to future collaborations between this writer/director team. They've got a little tightening to do with their narratives, and perhaps could ease off on the music montages, but their first film out the gate compares fondly with the early work of the Farrelly Bros.
FREDERICK OPINES: GOOD
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