Based on the true story (and the writers/directors John Requa and Glenn Ficarra didn't have to embellish it all that much), Jim Carrey stars as Steven Russell - a man who has decided to live life to its fullest, even if that means stealing to do it. After a mundane life as a married man and father, Steven has decided to be true to himself, come out of the closet, and live a life of luxury financed by a series of cons. Of course, he gets caught and sent to jail, but that is where Steven meets the love of his life, Phillip Morris (Ewan McGregor).
Can Steven and Phillip find a way to live life together?
Will they ever get out of jail?
I Love You Phillip Morris is one of those movies where the audience laughs at moments and scenes, but not much is holding it all together as a comprehensive film. Steven's antics and cons are hilarious, and Carrey perfectly walks a fine line between being goofy and real, but the movie needs some storyline to tie it all together. Without a tangible plot, the audience is wandering through this gonzo life with Steven and Phillip, but where is it going? We need direction.
Sure, Requa and Ficarra (based on the book by Steven McVicker) will argue the movie is a character study and a love story, but Steven really doesn't change very much, if at all, and the love story only becomes the main focus for part of I Love You Phillip Morris. Requa, Ficarra and Carrey have us laughing at the various cons (and McGregor is perfect as the shy, submissive, somewhat naïve object of Steven's affection), but not much else is all that compelling, especially when it gets a bit too serious towards the end.
2 Waffles (Out of 4)
I Love You Phillip Morris is rated R for sexual content including strong dialogue, and language.
Sure, Requa and Ficarra (based on the book by Steven McVicker) will argue the movie is a character study and a love story, but Steven really doesn't change very much, if at all, and the love story only becomes the main focus for part of I Love You Phillip Morris. Requa, Ficarra and Carrey have us laughing at the various cons (and McGregor is perfect as the shy, submissive, somewhat naïve object of Steven's affection), but not much else is all that compelling, especially when it gets a bit too serious towards the end.
2 Waffles (Out of 4)
I Love You Phillip Morris is rated R for sexual content including strong dialogue, and language.
