movies: i love you phillip morris

It was very lucky happenstance that I Love You Phillip Morris was playing as part of the Melbourne International Film Festival on the Friday we were in Melbourne. Especially since it doesn't seem like it's going to be getting a general release any time soon.

And I think that's a shame, because it's a fun movie.

It's not Jim Carrey being completely over the top, but it's also not him playing it "straight" (excuse the pun) like Eternal Sunshine... but it does use his ability to play a caricature incredibly well. He plays gay, and yes occasionally stereotypically gay, but it's still believable.

And similarly with Ewan McGregor... he's all blonde and maybe playing it a little bit "sissy"... it's not quite the right term, but if the movie had a straight couple, Ewan would be playing the female character.

Having said that, that is pretty much who the character is, so Ewan is fantastic in the role, and there isn't in any way an element of mockery in either of their performances.

Sure there are a few cringe moments as Jim's character lies his way into all kinds of trouble (it's a little bit Catch Me If You Can at times actually), but there are also some genuinely touching moments, especially towards the end, and as proven by tonight's audience, it also has a lot of laughs.

There really isn't much else to say... even though this may officially be the shortest movie review I've ever written. But there isn't that much to say... it's sweet, it's funny and some distribution company should really get off their ass and give it a wider release.

yani's rating: 4 cloud wieners out of 5