Hammerman Ikon

Hammerman Ikon Film Guide

I Love You Phillip Morris
2009
**½
Director: Glenn Ficarra, John Requa
Cast: Jim Carrey, Ewan McGregor, Leslie Mann, Rodrigo Santoro, Antoni Corone, Brennan Brown, Michael Mandel

An incredible true story of Steve Russell, a mild-mannered family man and one-time police officer who outs himself. When he realises that the stereotypical gay lifestyle is very expensive, he becomes a con artist. This lands him in prison where he meets Phillip Morris, the love of his life. This dark comedy is certainly unpredictable, but it cannot find a satisfying tone between broad comedy, heartbreaking drama and sweet romance. First-time directors Glenn Ficarra and John Requa wrote Bad Santa, and this doesn't offer a marked improvement in good taste. Jim Carrey gives another one of his typically taxing performances. His character is tirelessly resourceful but difficult to love when you can't trust a word he says. Adapted from Steve McVicker's book I Love You Phillip Morris: A True Story of Life, Love, and Prison Breaks.