Yes Man

Middle-aged Carl Allen (Jim Carrey) has quit on life. Choosing to refuse any and all invitations and alienating the few friends he has left, Carl opts instead for quality time on the couch.

Pushed into attending a motivational seminar by former work colleague Nick (John Michael Higgins), Carl enters into a “yes” covenant requiring him to answer yes - to everything. As the detached Carl begins recklessly saying yes to every proposition presented, he finds his life invaded by strangers and even stranger situations.

Though Yes Man’s theme is unashamedly life-affirming, it’s not cloying. Carrey, on his best behaviour here, is suitably restrained - even subtle - as the carping lead. Carrey’s containment gives the impression he might explode into untold wackiness at any moment, giving Carl a complex edge.

Zooey Deschanel delights as usual, playing a familiar quirky love interest. Though the chemistry between the leads is a little strained, with Carrey looking altogether too old for Deschanel, it’s only mildly distracting.

It might be all cliché, but thanks to likeable actors and a script that doesn’t go for too much, the message gets through anyway.