Year: 1996
Rating: PG-13
Rating: * * * Stars
Cast: Jim Carrey, Matthew Broderick, Lesile Mann, George Segal, Jack Black
The Cable Guy is
the type of dark comedy that may have been overlooked by many critics and a host
of moviegoers. When it was released in the mid-90's, Jim Carrey's fans were
expecting another Ace Ventura or Dumb and Dumber. When they were taken
down a different road, they kind of stayed away (a rare weak box office take
for the Gumby-like funnyman). I, however, embraced the darkness and relentless
mischief that his character displayed. Make no doubt about it; he earned his
paycheck ($20 million I believe). And yes Jim sometimes goes over the top (the
lisp thing got a little tiring), but he finds common ground with the addition
of Matthew Broderick playing "straight man" to his lonely, desperate
soul (Carrey's character has 3-4 names which I won't reveal).
The film is not really about cable installment. It's about
the need for friendship and the measures taken to achieve it. With each viewing
(if you decide to view it more than once), you realize more and more that The Cable Guy is vastly underrated. Look
for funny cameos from young unknowns Owen Wilson, Lesile Mann and star in the
making Jack Black (pre Hi-Fidelity). Ben Stiller's direction is risky but it
pays off showcasing a flick you can laugh at while feeling a tiny speck of
empathy at the same time. Oh and watch for a side plot involving Stiller. Just
think the 1993 murder trial of the Menendez brothers. Remember it's a parody so
there is no need to take it too seriously.
Written by Jesse Burleson
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