Romantic teen comedy. 2008. 90 min. With MICHAEL CERA, KAT DENNINGS and Alexis Dziena. Director: Peter Sollett. 13SL.
Rating: 4/5
Reviewer: Willem Moller
If the words “romantic teen comedy” fill you with dread this quirky, original flick will restore your faith.
Nick (Cera), bass player in punk band the Jerk-Offs, is depressed after being dumped by his girlfriend, Tris (Dziena). To cheer him up his bandmates hook him up with eccentric Norah (Dennings). There’s immediate chemistry between them - but it takes an all-night ramble through New York’s underground music scene in search of a secret concert for them to connect. Along the way there’s much mayhem as Norah’s best friend gets hopelessly drunk, Nick plays a disastrous gig and Tris, suddenly jealous, plots to win Nick back.
Wonderful performances, tight direction and an intelligent script make this movie magical from start to finish. Special features: commentaries; video diary; more.
YES MAN
Comedy. 2008. 104 min. With Jim Carrey, Zooey Deschanel and Terence Stamp. Director: Peyton Reed. PG13.
Rating: 3/5
Reviewer: Lara Atson
Carl (Carrey) is a loan officer with a negative outlook on life - he says “no” to everything and doesn’t have a social life. Since his wife dumped him for a new love he spends most days alone at home and avoids his friends. One day he bumps into a buddy who persuades him to attend a self-help seminar led by cult leader Terrence Bundley (Stamp) - the “Yes” guru.
Carl is so moved by the seminar he decides to become a Yes Man and he agrees to say yes to every opportunity that comes his way. His luck seems to change after meeting free-spirited Allison (Deschanel), who leads sessions that combine jogging with photography when not singing in her not-so-successful band. But Carl soon finds saying yes to everything has a downside.
The film is a true Carrey laugh fest and way better than his 2005 comedy, Fun with Dick and Jane. It’s fast-paced and enjoyable, especially if you’re a Carrey fan.
