Jim Carrey was the it-factor in comedies in the early 1990s, when his humor was in style. Lately, however, his comedic performances fall short of the audience’s expectations. Today’s on-screen comedians have a different kind of humor, which can be found in Vince Vaughn, Steve Carell (with whom Jim Carrey has co-starred) and Tina Fey.

 

Jim Carrey’s latest movie is called “Yes Man,” a comedy about a man who falls into a mild state of depression after being left by his wife. The break-up led Carl, the character played by Jim Carrey, to use the word “no” excessively. His new negative habit has immediate results, as he disappoints his friends and family and has issues at his job, where he works as a loan officer. Soon, Carl and an old friend attend a self-help seminar, where they learn to say “yes” as often as possible, a philosophy developed by the seminar guru, played by Terence Stamp.

 

 Jim Carrey’s character thus starts saying “yes” all the time, which is funny most of all because if his job. His new demeanor and conduct help him meet a beautiful, lively young singer, played by the charming Zooey Deschanel,it helps him get a raise and a promotion, he even takes flying lessons, he takes up Korean and even saves a man’s life.

 

The premise of the movie is just this, a man learns to say “yes” and has a more optimistic view on life. The movie can best be described as “nice”, and the supporting actors do a splendid job, yet Carrey’s humor is a bit out of tune.