“ROMANCE UNEXPECTED”
Starring: Jim Carrey, Ewan McGregor, Leslie Mann, Rodrigo Santoro, and Antoni Corone
Directed by: Glenn Ficarra, John Requa
MPAA Rated: R for sexual content including strong dialogue, and language.
Genre: Comedy, True Story
Running Time: 1 hr. 40 min
Release Date: December 2010
Distributed by: Roadside Attractions
By John Delia
Here’s an odd love story that is actually based on fact. It’s called I Love You Phillip Morris and features interesting roles by Jim Carrey and Ewan McGregor who fall in love when they meet as prisoners in a penitentiary. Daring performances heat up the screen with their oddball characters challenging the criminal justice system and social standards.
I Love You Phillip Morris is the improbable but true story of a spectacularly charismatic conman’s journey from small-town businessman to flamboyant white-collar criminal, who repeatedly finds himself in trouble with the law and on the lam, brilliantly escaping from the Texas prison system on four separate occasions – all in the name of love.
Carrey is a hoot as Stephen the cagy conman turned gay. His creative mannerisms and expressive face enable him to change from a straight crook to male lover escape artist with ease. When we meet Steven he is head over heels in love with Debbie (Leslie Mann) whom he has pursued till she finally gave in to his romantics. When he finally admits that he’s been gay all his life, Steven shows his flamboyant feminine side buying fancy clothes, cars, and jewelry, paying it with con artist cash.
McGregor’s character, Phillip Morris, has already found his gay side and when he meets Steven in jail, he’s ready for a relationship. The two are like a married couple while in prison and Steven vows he will be his man even when they get out. McGregor’s expressions are sometimes priceless and the comedy they make as a couple outrageously funny.
The winners in this film however are directors Glenn Ficarra and John Requa who keep the film interesting and hilarious while stretching out the simple plot. It may be his actors or some pixie dust, but after the lights come up in the movie theater you realize you just saw a ridiculously funny film.
I Love You Phillip Morris is rated R for sexual content including strong dialogue, and language.
FINAL ANALYSIS:Â If you want to take a trip to the unusual, this film is just that. (4 of 5)