Yes Man

Yes Man

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I do want to take guitar lessons. I do want to learn how to fly. Yes, I would like to learn Korean.

I’m Gone – a – reeyah!

Do you ever look for reasons not to do something?

When I was a kid, I went through a phase where if I didn’t master something almost immediately I just quit. It’s embarrassing to admit this, but I threw out a perfectly good pair of roller skates because I kept falling down and skinning my knees. I also would stop my bike when I approached a turn because I was afraid to hit a tree. After about a year of watching the other kids breeze by, I finally decided to just do it.

It was my first lesson in not letting fear take over your life. Unfortunately, like most of life’s great lessons I’ve had to learn it over and over again with each new stage of life.

We all do it. Think about it – you’re reading this review to see if it’s worth going out in the cold! Not that I’m picking on our dearest readers, but I know how easy it is to talk yourself into staying in and watching TV rather than going out and trying something new. What if we look stupid? What if we get hurt?

Which brings us to this week’s movie . . .

Carl "Jim Carrey" is a loan processor living on the sidelines of his own life. He gets up, goes to work and goes home. He avoids phone calls from his friends to avoid being talked into going out. He summarily rejects all invitations to concerts and parties. He doesn’t even take initiative at work anymore. He just goes through the motions, which makes him virtually invisible and unable to get ahead. (Sound familiar?)

A friend convinces him to attend a “Say Yes” seminar and his life is forever changed. He is shamed into making a covenant to say yes to every opportunity and invitation that comes his way. The very next day, he starts answering every request of him, whether it’s giving a ride to a stranger or approving a small business loan. He stubles upon a woman "Zooey Deschanel" who is open to going along on his adventures.

I admit, the humor is pretty low-ball, and the style of the movie takes a hit ‘em over the head approach ala Liar, Liar, but it still brings an important message about how we sometimes have to remind ourselves to push the envelope a bit, that work is not your life, LIFE is your life. I just wish it wasn’t so cheesy. Spend your money somewhere else, but save this one for a weekday matinee, or future rental.

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