The Number 23

What could even come close to topping The Cable Guy for a Jim Carrey fan? Well, whoever would've thought he'd be in a serious role? The Number 23 can't really be compared to his comedic works, but if your audience feeds off of your spontaneous and eclectic behaviour, and you go out on a limb and star in a dark, violent drama, you better do a pretty good job. I'd say he pulled it off.

Walter Sparrow (Carrey) is living an ordinary, pleasing life. He has a wife, a son, and a job that isn't completely enjoyable, but it pays the bills. He is a decent father and husband. But then, a book enters his life that really shouldn't have... or is it better that it did? The book, by the same title of movie, begins to run Walter's life. 23 appears everywhere -- while he's driving, at work, at home, sleeping, etc... he starts going crazy.

I can't give away too much, but I'll tell you that there are some pretty messed up scenes... whoever filmed this movie is a pro, but also has to have a pretty twisted mind to come up with the plot and everything. The actors all portrayed their characters very well, if you ask me. While the movie is really good in all the ways a critic looks, it just isn't that well known, and it's really no mystery why -- it's just too dark and violent for a lot of people. Dark, violent, and crafted by some real professionals. I would say it's worth a shot if you're a Jim Carrey fan, and are mentally and emotionally prepared for something very shocking and out of the blue.

"The Number 23"

Acting: 8.8

Story: 9.2

Special Effects: 8.4

Cinematography: 9.3

Conclusion: 8.9

As I have mentioned in previous reviews, I do tend to like movies that are dark, and mess with your mind. Movies that make you think. The Number 23, unfortunately, just didn't quite cut it. For one, the movies I watch can sometimes contain a lot of violence, language, drug use, etc... But this one was just too much blood and sex to wade through. At the end, I felt the cost was too high for what I got out of the movie -- which was, no doubt a great message, but it wasn't worth getting to the end. I definitely am not scarred or too shocked, it's just not one I'd put on the netflix queue to watch again.

The Fringe: C+