A couple years ago, I wrote a paper using Jim Carrey and Jerry Lewis as case studies of celebrity. Since then I've developed a certain fondness for Carrey, an actor capable of being more than a moron who seemingly can't find success as anything but. Based on that, I should feel sorry that last year's Yes Man was a retread of Liar Liar, except Carrey has to say "yes" instead of the truth (also, there was no magic (unless you count Zooey Deschanel's bangs)).There is something worthwhile, however, to film's focus on opening oneself up to new ideas. We often convince ourselves we dislike things we're afraid of, but those are not mutually inclusive emotions. Going to see an upstart band, learning a foreign language, or taking a trip to an out-of-the-way locale might not dramatically change your life like it did Carrey's, but it is unlikely to be as upsetting as we imagine. Besides, even if it won't end with wooing that special She or Him, The Slightly Less Attractive Sibling is probably still single.
