“The Number 23” (New Line Cinema)
Carrey’s Number Is Almost Up
Jim Carrey was, at one time, a bright spot in Hollywood. His comedies were unique and refreshing and each was assured to be a success based on his participation alone. But lately his spot in the Hollywood firmament has been usurped by new talents such as Will Ferrell and Steve Farrell. Suddenly Mr. Carrey has found he is slipping in status. So what does he give us “The Number 23,” a mind-boggling, mind-numbing car wreck of a movie.
“The Number 23” tells the story of an ordinary man named Walter Sparrow (Carrey). He works for Animal Control and seems to spend his days not doing much of anything, except to chase the occasional dog. One day his wife Agatha (Virginia Madsen) buys him a book titled “The Number 23.” As Walter reads it, he becomes obsessed with it. Somehow the number 23 takes over his life.
Eventually Walter becomes so obsessed that he begins to imagine murders. He drags his teenage son (Logan Lerman) along with him as he searches for bodies in unmarked graves. It is an unnatural obsession that threatens his marriage, his sanity and ultimately his life.
Walter is the kind of role all comic actors want to do because it gives them a chance to show their dramatic acting talents. However a role such as Walter also can be a pitfall as it is so intense and so demanding it can slip away from the actor and land with a thud. With Jim Carrey’s performance the thud is ear shattering. His manic look reminds you of his comic roles and just can’t be taken seriously. The same is true when he is virtually foaming at the mouth. Where is Ace Ventura when you need him
Virginia Madsen is competent in her role as the long-suffering wife. She isn’t bad in the part but she isn’t outstanding either. She is just there trying to keep Carrey from flying off into orbit. Sometimes she succeeds and sometimes she doesn’t.
The film is rated R for profanity and violence.
It is a mystery as to whom this movie would appeal. Carrey fans will be turned off because it isn’t funny. Those seeking a drama will be lost in the maze and mire of the script. And anyone just searching for a good movie to entertain them will quickly learn this is the wrong choice.
Jim Carrey is a talented actor but his forte is comedy. He should stick within the confines of this field and leave the heavy emoting to others. If not, his number could be up.
I scored “The Number 23” a sorry wrong number 3 out of 10.
