The Cable Guy (1996)

Provides a good offering of ridiculous comedy–see the hilarious intensity at the basketball game–and stalker creepiness (sometimes at the same time), thanks to Carrey’s great turn as The Cable Guy. He’s a great character but the direction goes back and forth between playing him up for laughs and thrills and digging into the more sympathetic and compelling side of his character, even veering into odd-couple dramedy at points. This throws off the whole of the film despite plenty of good moments.

5

Vacation (2015)

Rusty Griswold takes his own family on a road trip to “Walley World” in order to spice things up with his wife and reconnect with his sons. (IMDb)

No, it’s not a particularly clever comedy (the “what could go wrong?” formula provides most of the jokes–usually telegraphed and juvenile) and the family bonding/marital drama sub-scenes are bland (family vs. family brawl and roller-coaster sing-along–regrettably cut off–aside), but so help me, I still laughed quite a bit (a few highlights: Day’s self-destructive rafting guide, Rusty as a terrible wing-man for his son, classic Clark fumbling a guitar, hot springs mix-up, police stand-off).

6.5/10 (Alright)

 

I Love You Phillip Morris (2009)

A cop turns con man once he comes out of the closet. Once imprisoned, he meets the second love of his life, whom he’ll stop at nothing to be with. (IMDb)

Pops of crass sexual humour and childish gay stereotyping throughout mar what is otherwise a heartfelt romance set within a compelling biographical framework. Carrey shines as the complex Steven: On one hand, a passionate lover, protector, and provider for his timid Philip (McGregor is excellent); on the other, a con-man with slippery skills (the cons are fun and feature a great recurring instrumental) that consistently disrupt his relationship but always manage to get it back together.

7/10 (Good)

Knocked Up (2007)

At times outrageous and hilarious, at others, genuinely sweet and heartfelt. Loads of laugh-out-loud moments, with a cast stacked full of comedic gems. It’s a movie of extreme moments that overwhelm the actual story and character development at points, but make it a very memorable and enjoyable watch.

7/10 (Good)