I Love You Phillip Morris

From writer/directors Glenn Ficara and John Requa (Bad Santa) comes a story that proves truth is really stranger than fiction.  Based on real events, Jim Carrey plays Steven Russell - an upstanding Texas cop with a loving wife and daughter.  From the outside, Steven looks like a happy family man, but he's actually hiding a secret... he's gay.  So he continues living a double life until a near-death experience makes him decide once and for all to come out of the closet.  Now, Steven is living the life he's always dreamed.  But with that life comes a hefty price-tag, and Steven resorts to becoming a con man in order to support his lavish lifestyle.  When the law finally catches up to him, Steven ends up in prison and meets Phillip Morris (Ewan McGregor), the love of his life.  But will Steven's game of deception get in the way of his and Phillip's relationship?  Carrey shines in this role and makes Steven such a fascinating character that you can't take your eyes off of him.  The way Steven starts out tricking people is almost forgivable, but eventually it gets to the point where it seems like he lies out of a sick compulsion.  Yet Carrey makes him so charming that not only do you believe Steven can't help himself, but you find yourself hoping he doesn't get caught.  McGregor, as the naive Phillip, is simple and sweet, but when he discovers Steven's been lying to him all this time, he unleashes a surprising anger that I didn't think he had in him.  The two seasoned actors are a pleasure to watch together, and their chemistry is electric (not to mention some racy sex scenes that are simultaneously steamy and comical).  I Love You Phillip Morris tells a story that is almost too bizarre to believe, but the bittersweet reality of these characters' lives provides the perfect balance to the light tone of the film, making it irreverently funny and touching.

4 out of 5 stars

Arthur

In this remake of the 80s comedy staple, Russell Brand reprises the role of Arthur Bach, the millionaire playboy who refuses to grow up.  Arthur lives a life of careless luxury and excess and - as the son of a business tycoon - has never had to work a day in his life.  But all that's about to change once his mother announces he must marry wealthy socialite, Susan Johnson (Jennifer Garner), or be cut off from the family inheritance.  Arthur begrudgingly agrees, until he meets and falls for cute tour guide, Naomi (Greta Gerwig).  Now the big question is... will Arthur choose love or money?  Brand, as the childish and fun-loving Arthur, revels in the opportunity to play such an unleashed character.  But as much fun as he seems to be having, with an ever-present impish grin on his lips, the smile never quite seems to reach his eyes, making his mischievous nature slightly less believable.  It is pretty funny seeing Brand cavort around town, getting completely sloshed and wreaking havoc in his own exact replica Batmobile.  The problem is, Arthur seems to be in on the joke which detracts from his innocent charm.  Brand seems to be better suited at playing the stupid, hollow clown than the stupid clown with an inner heart of gold begging for redemption.  Regardless, Brand is comical enough to keep the crazy train rolling, and with help from his lovely supporting players - Garner, having a ball as the buttoned-up businesswoman with an inner freak, and Helen Mirren as Arthur's stern, but caring nanny - the film gets by on being moderately entertaining.  I just wish Arthur had managed to grow-up on his own terms and not out of a feeling of guilt or obligation.  That's when Arthur stops feeling fun and starts feeling tired.

3 out of 5 stars