Genres

Visitors Review

2012-05-25 03:44:13

Carey/McGregor make a convincing gay couple, but film is a bit uneven.

This film is based on a book, which - in turn - is based on the real life exploits of Steven Russell, an embezzler, con artist and hopeless romantic, who repeatedly managed to get out of prison through devious means. Steven starts off as a devout church-going family man, working as a cop as he tries to track down his birth mother. He and his family then move to Texas, where he starts work for a produce company, and simultaneously starts to explore his same-sex attractions, which he had been repressing for the most part. After a brush with death, Steven decides to come clean about his sexual orientation to his wife, and moves to Florida to live with a boyfriend. Problem: Being an "a-list" gay in Miami is expensive, and Steven sees insurance fraud as the means to that end. He gets caught and sent to prison, where he meets Phillip Morris, and instantly falls in love. Already an expert at "working the system" behind the prison walls, Steven manages to get assigned to share Philip's cell, and, when he gets released, returns posing as Phillip's attorney to get him sprung as well. The couple live an ideally life ... for a while, until Steven's compulsions again (and again) leave them running from the law. As Steven, Jim Carey provides an interesting combination of surprising empathy and sensitivity, combined with his trademark over-the-top comic persona, which is still a little grating in places. Evan McGregor is wasted in the role of Phillip, which he plays with an simple wide-eyed naivety that fits the part. Other than some self-loathing anti-gay comments Steven makes while dealing with his sexuality, and a few bits with outlandish outfits, the film stays remarkably away from stereotypical depictions, and the few outsiders who know their relationship seem to accept it as no big deal. That said, this is a tough film to rate. Unlike the book, which I am told had a serious tone throughout, the film tries to be part documentary / "true crime" drama, and part light romantic comedy. It is that battle between madcap comedy and serious drama that makes this film tough to get into, which I believe is its main failing, which I chalk up to the direction. The acting is good (not great), and it's worth a look. I give it four stars out of five.

2012-05-24 13:37:10

A great film that deserves to be seen in American theatres

I simply couldn't wait any longer for this film to open in America, so I bought the DVD from AmazonUK (yes, I have a region free DVD player). OMG this is one of the best films I've seen this year. Jim Carrey gives a performance worthy of year end award consideration in this funny, absurd and poignant romantic comedy about a gay con-artist. This is the Carrey of The Truman Show, Man on the Moon and Eternal Sunshine, and he shines in an often challenging role. Ewan MacGregor is equally affecting in the role of Carrey's love interest. There are some broad and outrageous moments; this is a comedy after all. However, there are an equal number of lovely, tender moments of romance and passion. This film has been in some legal battles and so the American distribution has been held up. I hope these problems get resolved and this finds its way to a theatre near you. Don't miss it.

Søren Pedersen 2012-05-20 15:56:50

Nothing is worth this.: Awful Awful Awful

What the pokker is this film about. It's not funny, in not sad it'sjust is. Want to invent a film delete button to my brain. Worst filmever. Please hit me with a charier till i'll forget this piece ofnothing.Sad for the real life person. Why did they agree to do this film. Arethere so much money in the world?Why do so many like it, why did i get a 6,9 rating.Avoid the and any more films until we receive an apology for this loadof manure,Avoid the and any more films until we receive an apology for this loadof manure,

2012-05-20 09:09:53

Fascinating and Entertaining!

This review is from: I Love You Phillip Morris (DVD) I honestly think this is Jim Carrey's best work ever! This movie is funny, sad, and extremely fascinating all at the same time. You have to keep reminding yourself that it's a true story. Though not for everyone, this film deserved better than just being released to a few theaters!

Ben Larson 2012-05-20 04:02:01

Being gay is really expensive.

One would find this movie totally unbelievable if you didn't know thatSteven Russell was just as real as Frank Abagnale Jr.Both were consummate con men. Russell (Jim Carey) developed hisabilities out of necessity. He came out as gay and quickly realized heneeded a whole lot of money to maintain his lifestyle. His cons sooncaught up with him and he ended up in a Teas prison, where he metPhillip Morris (Ewan McGregor). The lovers get out of prison, and Russell cons his way into anotherposition where he could make boatloads of money. It should be nosurprise that whenever you become a rising star in a company, there isalways someone waiting for the chance to take you down. That time came,and it's back to prison.But, Russell was not through. He managed to pull off his greatest con,one that got the State of Texas so mad that they locked him up andthrew away the key. (The real Steven Russell is serving 144 years inTexas in maximum security and solitary confinement.)Carey was perfect for the role of Russell. You can but just love theguy, even if he is a criminal.The movie is fast-paced and funny all the way. It is well worth yourtime if you like comedies.

2012-05-19 15:25:14

not..........

This review is from: I Love You Phillip Morris (Amazon Instant Video) not a good movie crappy I was very disappointed! :(don't even waste your money or your time.for this movie

2012-05-14 15:18:01

Fascinating and Entertaining!

This review is from: I Love You Phillip Morris (DVD) I honestly think this is Jim Carrey's best work ever! This movie is funny, sad, and extremely fascinating all at the same time. I have to applaud Jim and Ewan McGregor for totally immersing themselves in their respective characters, there's no winking at the camera to let the audience know they're just playing a part. You have to keep reminding yourself that this is really a true story.The plot is difficult to explain, it's in the "You Can't Make This Stuff Up" category. Carrey plays a petty con man living a duel life as a married, church going man who is having homosexual trysts on the side.....when he finally "comes out", he does it in a big way and finds that he needs more and more money to live the flamboyant lifestyle he desires, thus causing him to to engage in more con artist/criminal activity to keep that lifestyle going. This lands him in jail where he meets the love of his life, Phillip Morris, played by McGregor. The outrageous lengths he goes to to remain with Phillip makes up the crux of the story.Though not for everyone, this film deserved better than just being released to a few theaters!

KineticSeoul 2012-05-14 10:34:18

Amusing and wacky gay comedy

I had no idea what this movie is about and it turns out it's literallya gay comedy. I will start off by saying Jim Carrey and Ewan McGregorwas a very good cast as the gay couple in this flick. Maybe it'sbecause I knew nothing about this movie before seeing it, but I foundthis movie intriguing and slightly funny which kept my attention mostof the way through. The dialogue is interesting but to straightaudiences, there are some uncomfortable scenes. Also this comedy has alot of wackiness to it and has that Jim Carrey vibe to it, which is apositive since this comedy just didn't seem like something that shouldgo in a very serious direction. I am not sure if gay people will enjoythis movie or get ticked off by it, especially since some people mightlaugh during some of the gay romance scenes because of the awkwardexecution of it all. Also I don't know how much of this movie is a truestory, but the thought that some of the scenes might have actuallyhappened made the movie a bit more funny, even if the unfolding of thestory didn't seem that clever. But the execution was clever indeed, infact the cleverness of those scenes was better than the comedic valuealthough some of those clever parts was amusing and funny at the sametime. Mainly because of the cast and the way the certain scenes areexecuted.6.6/10

Cropsy666 2012-05-13 12:44:07

Warm, moving and really rather brilliant.

I Love You Philip Morris is a film that has a clear sense of warmth andis supported by superb performances. In terms of narrative, it is aromp, but one that takes some surprising (if not dark) turns. The filmis not lightweight and tells the story of an inveterate conman.However, the love story, that between Steven Russell (Jim Carrey) andPhilip Morris (Ewan McGregor), is touching, passionate and totallyconvincing. But while Carrey does (inevitably, one should suppose)teeter on the manic in places, it is McGregor who is the film's realrevelation.With his blond hair and softly-spoken Southern Americanaccent, McGregor easily gives one of the best performances I have seenhim offer and represents a highly credible source of Russell's desire.The romantic and sexual relationship between the two central charactersis not glossed over, and the film is all the better for it. Ultimately,I Love You Philip Morris ranks as a fine piece of drama that also worksas a comedy, albeit it a bittersweet one. All in all, if you haven'tseen it, then see it!

reneweddan 2012-05-12 21:06:27

Underrated and Under-appreciated

Jim Carrey and Ewan McGregor are the two main reasons to watch thisfilm, the third being that it's based on a true story.I heard some bad press on this film, mainly because of thehomosexuality plot, so it hasn't had as much appeal, but you wouldthink it being a true story would stop them from discriminating.This film is highly underrated and under-appreciated. The storyline isinteresting, the movie delivers and is creative, the acting is as youwould expect from Jim Carrey and Ewan McGregor.I Love You Phillip Morris is the true story about love, lies, and thelaw. It's quite interesting, especially the facts in the end.I hope everyone gives this film a chance. The content is amazing andthe acting is superb.Well done.(Also, rumor has it that Steven Russell's nicknames are "Houdini" and"King Con" and has an IQ of 163)

Tristan Housden 2012-05-12 02:33:20

Carrey and McGregor shine in superbly crafted comedy

Continuing my MIFF reviews, I saw this last week with a packed house atGreater Union.Firstly, it has to be said that it's a tragedy that this film's generalrelease has been such a stifled process. The entertainment value ofthis picture, its expert construction and superb performances cannot bedenied.Carrey turns in what is possibly his best performance in a decade. It'sbizarre, the way that his signature antics actually enhance rather thandiminish the dramatic aspects of this film, based loosely on real lifeevents. In fact, for me, the movie trumps The Truman Show as Carrey'strue coming of age as a performer of depth. Ewan McGregor is equallyastonishing as Phillip Morris - you'd swear you were watching the kindof unique romantic chemistry between two actors that arrives veryrarely in cinema, and virtually never between two A-listers playing gaylovers; but the love story is only a foundation for what emerges as akinetic, superbly told comedy-drama about the real life exploits of conman and recidivist prison escapee Steven Jay Russell.Directors/writers Glenn Ficarra and John Requa expertly handle thetensions of comic and dramatic performance and also prove to have amasterly touch with the frenzied action sequences. Bit parts are castbeautifully. You can see the attention to detail and craft in thismovie.It can only be assumed that the gay context of this film has cost itit's commercial potential in the eyes of distributors, becauseeverything else about it spells box office success. Apparently, it willfinally have a limited release in the US in October this year, with thepotential of expansion.Without spoiling any of the twists of the film's detailed series ofevents, the film succeeds at beautifully hijacking audience expectationtime and again. Just when you think you've got the film pinned forbeing predictable, suddenly it flips on you with a wry smile as if tosay, "I knew what you were thinking".I'm not sure how close the producers stuck to the facts, but itscarcely matters. If 5% of this narrative is true, it would be amazingin itself. I would be happy if the film was complete fiction.It's a wonderful, assured comedy and deserves wide commercialexploitation.

2012-05-11 20:05:45

I had expected more humour, something to really laugh at!

This review is from: I Love You Phillip Morris (DVD) I was quite excited at the thought of a "very humorous" gay story, however, by the time I had got about half way through I just turned it off. Ok, so my sense of humour is different to what they advertised.

2012-05-07 18:34:50

Just enough of Jim Carey funny man to make a great movie

They took a few liberties with the actual story of Steven Russell but hey its a comedy not a documentary and a hilarious comedy at that. Actually its a very good love story, grand con flick and prison break movie with just enough of Jim Carey the funny man to make every scene memorable. However, if you are the least bit homophobic don't even attempt to see this because you will be highly offended.

2012-05-07 05:39:27

One of the Best Movies I've Ever Seen

This review is from: I Love You Phillip Morris (DVD) Here's the thing, if you're even 1% homophobic, or even 1% of 1% homophobic, then don't bother with this movie. Seriously. And don't bother watching it with anyone who is even 1% of 1% homophobic either, because it'll really just ruin all the beauty of it. It's a shame, but it's true. I know my father and my best friend would love this movie, but I won't bother recommending it to them. They wouldn't be able to get past all the gay sex. And that's that.Have you ever been in love? Steven Russell has. With inmate Phillip Morris. This movie was just beautiful all over, from the cinematography, to the acting, to the writing. It was just phenomenal. A true love story, but not corny in any way (which isn't easy). And to make a love story seem real and beautiful between two men without making either of them seem efeminate or emasculated is a true mark of a good storyteller. I just loved it. I loved their love. I felt their love and it was real. Google the real Steven Russell. Read his interviews in articles at NPR. The whole story is real, from start to finish. It all happened. It really did.

iandonald97 2012-05-05 21:48:31

Unfunny and very, very boring

I bought this "blind" - wanted a bluray disc for my new machine and sawthis with recognised names in the cast and the words "outrageouslyfunny" (News of the World)and "hilarious" (Instyle) on the box. Notunreasonably I expected to be amused by it but there isn't a laugh (noreven a smile) to be had. Jim Carrey seems to think that pulling facesmakes you laugh, well probably if you're under 5, and the plot (whatwas it?)just rambles on to nowhere. Perhaps some people laugh atexplicitly implied homosexual activity (eg inferred oral sex on a boatfollowed by a spit overboard)amusing. I just thought it sordid andinappropriate for a 15 certificate. Great moment is made of it being atrue story but I could write a true story of my life this week & itwouldn't mean it was interesting - although it would probably be moreamusing than this. Frankly, I have spent more worthwhile time in thedentist's chair than watching this tasteless, embarrassing bore.

Malcolm Duncan 2012-05-05 00:20:58

Exceptional

I do not often write film reviews but every now and then somethingcrops up that I find so offensive I have no choice but to let theentire world know about it. I was feeling generous on Friday night anddecided to let the wife pick a film at our local multiplex. Afterwatching the film it took us about ten minutes to leave the car parkand twenty more to drive home. That wasn't long enough for my wife tofinish apologising for her choice. She was genuinely embarrassed thatshe had subjected us both to a hundred minutes of such low levelfilm-making. Despite being a hater of Jim Carey's early comedy(!) I hadsome hope that 'Eternal Sunshine...'had been a turning point and hiscoffers were now full enough to take on worthwhile scripts with decentdirection. How wrong I was, this film makes an Ace Ventura double billlook intellectual. The only interest created by the film is whetherEwan 'sell-out' McGregor's biggest failing was his hideously over-campgay stereotype or the constantly varying southern states / Welshaccent. I have seen bad films before but I can never remember being socompletely and utterly let down by one. As people walked out of thescreen it must have looked like a scene from 'invasion of the bodysnatchers'. The twenty or so of us who had stuck-it until the bitterend looked completely vacant, dumbfounded by the sheer lack of qualityon show. I plead with anyone who considers seeing this film not to doso. If you really want to subject yourself to this piece of cinematictrash just wait until its £1 at Tesco next month. At least then you'llbe able to get a refund. But be warned, those two hours of your lifewill have been wasted forever.

2012-05-03 16:13:31

Romcom for people who hate romcoms

This review is from: I Love You Phillip Morris (Amazon Instant Video) I hate romantic comedies. I feel like they manipulate your feelings, and are overly formulaic. That said, I really enjoyed this movie. The characters motivations and actions were believable. I was pleasantly surprised by the chemistry between Jim Carrey and Ewan McGregor. Granted, this was based on a true story, but there was some fine acting bringing the characters to life. Definitely worth watching!

tezbraves1 2012-05-03 06:03:25

I loved Phillip Morris

I have literally just got back from watching this film and i canhonestly say 'I love you Phillip Morris' is probably Jim Carrey'sgreatest performance. Bravo Mr Carey. The feel of this film from startto finish was that of a warm, touching picture with moments ofball-bouncingly brilliant comedy.Ewan McGregor is completely convincing as a love-struck gay man. Thetwo lead men have wonderful on screen chemistry which shows throughoutthe whole film. In my opinion the perfect casting of two gay lovers.Take a bow fellas.If you love seeing films which show Carrey's slapstick antics whilstmaintaining an emotional story-line this is definitely the film foryou. If this film had come out a month ago Carrey would definitely bein with a real shout at an Oscar.

tomlawless3 2012-04-29 17:51:20

A fantastic film with wonderful performances from Carrey and McGregor

This is one of those films that you will never forget seeing, and for anumber of reasons. Firstly the story, true or not, is engaging, funnyand contains some great characters. It allows for Carrey to excel atwhat he does best, which is to experiment with his own character. Whilesomewhat unbelievable, the story is, like it or not, engaging and itholds one's interest. Carrey plays a, shall we say, "actively" gay manwith good humour without being too vulgar; although the vivid,no-holds-barred buggery scenes may be a little too much for someviewers! They had me cringing but Carrey manages to make it funny andlight hearted.It is a film relatively light on the kind of laugh-out-loud humour thatwe're used to seeing from Carrey, but the more films I see him in themore I respect him as a genuinely well rounded comic actor. He hasmatured well over the years, but his childish mischievous tendenciesnever truly left him and it is shown wonderfully in this movie, reallytaking the content to the next level without overpowering theconsistently engaging storyline.As for Ewan McGregor, the effort that he clearly put into this rolemore than paid off and he was utterly convincing and a perfect supportfor Carrey. These two seemed like the most unlikely pairing for anyfilm, let alone one of this nature; which is precisely why I just hadto see it! This movie is a must see for all who like a good laugh andappreciate when a film tugs and throws you around emotionally, fromlaughing hysterically to feeling genuinely glum and back again. The waythe film perfectly captures tragedy, heartbreak, loss and pain isimmersing. I found myself feeling privileged to have witnessed a good,solid piece of film making that had me laughing, but ended soeloquently and respectfully. Then BAM! Carrey comes right back and theplot totally doubles back on itself! Fantastic stuff...This film left me sat in my cinema seat with a big grin on my face,just desperate for it to be released on DVD. It will go down as a cultfavourite in comedy film-making. It's got everything: love, loss,hilarity, a fantastic script, wonderful characters, fine acting, cons,swindles, betrayals; you name it! Well worth a watch if you want to seea new, genuinely fabulous film that doesn't cost about £15 to watch andisn't some over-hyped "blockbuster", all just because it's in 3-D...Oh by the way; if you're a homophobe, don't bother watching this. Justthough I'd mention...

2012-04-29 09:15:29

A Genuine Funny but tender and romantic story

This review is from: I Love You Phillip Morris (DVD) I generally don't like Jim Carrey's movies, but I have seen one or two films where he really gets to show his talent; and this is one of those films.Although he plays a con man and gets to mug for the camera (many times); he also gets to play really sweet and touching love scenes with Ewan McGregor.Everything about this film fits right. It's a little over 90 minutes, whichkeeps things moving swiftly.It's so terrific that these two male actors agreed to take on the challengeof playing gay lovers. Everyone should see this film!