matt-thornton.net

about

You're reading a really old version of matt-thornton's website. For example, if you're looking at the movie reviews... you'll notice that none of them are of recent films. Indeed, I leave them here for posterity's sake, but I doubt very much that they'll get updated anytime soon. So have a giggle.

You might, if you're lucky, find something recent from Matt at his blog matt's debates. Kernow bys vyken.

Bruce Almighty

the one line review:

b-e-a-u-t-i--ful. It's good. Guuuud.

the overview

I've got an open mind about Jim Carrey. For example, Me Myself and Irene is a top film and he's done some other good stuff too. There's no doubt that he's been typecast as the "goofy joke a second slapstick kid film" type, but his more recent films have, in a funny sort of way, shown some maturity that is impressive. He looks tired in this, he's obviously getting older which is a shame.

the plot:

Bruce (Carrey) is at the end of his rope. After a succession of shitness in his life, he loses his rag and shouts at God for doing such a crap job. God (Freeman) then replies by giving Bruce all of his powers and let's him look after the world in his place.

Cue usual abuse of power, funny goings on and eventual emotional setback with his girlfriend (Aniston).

The films with his learning the true meaning to who he is and hey presto it's all good. It's all guuuuud...

the verdict:

It's a good script, a nice idea, and Carrey is perfectly suited. Jennybaby is well suited to the role, and it's near enough impossible to imagine Freeman not doing well in *any* role, let alone that of God. So that's a good start.

I will admit that the first time I watched it, I left half way through (that was partly due to us a) watching an illegal VCD import, b) on a crappy 14" TV screen with a PS2 as the player and c) it was gone midnight and I was tired), then the second time I watched it I fell asleep (though admittedly I had got in from New York that day and I think not having had sleep for about a week might have been causal) and then finally, by the third time, I managed to get all the way through, even though I knew what was going on.

It's an enjoyable film. It ain't the best thing Carrey has ever done, but it's well made and worth a look. It's usual Carrey humour, so if you like that, it'll be a safe bet. And the scene of a dog sitting on a bog reading a newspaper is something you'll never see again, so it's worth it just for that.