I Love You Phillip Morris (2009)

After seeing Jim Carrey on Letterman, I knew I wanted to see Carrey's latest comedy, about real conman Steven Russell, who fell in love with the title character (Ewan McGregor) while they were in prison together. Jack and I laughed a lot. With no connection to the tobacco company, it's based on the novel I Love You Phillip Morris: A True Story of Life, Love, and Prison Breaks by Steve McVicker, with the adaptation written by co-directors Glenn Ficarra and John Requa (they are writing partners, not domestic partners, and this is their directing debut, after writing Bad Santa (2005) and two others--here's an article and a video interview). It played at Sundance in January 2009, then in Europe, Taiwan, and Japan early this year, where it made over $18 million, but wasn't released here until this month, in one cineplex now with "coming soon" posters at another, and I predict a long and healthy life for it later on DVD. Many have said this is Carrey's (I wrote about him in Yes Man) best role yet--driven, emotional, and addicted to deception. McGregor (I wrote about him a little in Angels & Demons, a little more in The Men Who Stare at Goats, and then he was in The Ghost Writer) is sweet as the object of Russell's affection, not to mention easy on the eyes. Leslie Mann (Mrs. Judd Apatow, parts in Funny People and all the rest) plays Russell's wife before he comes out (ex-wife/friend after).

Pleasant pop original music by Nick Urata (of the band DeVotchKa) is supplemented by lots of songs, some of which are on the soundtrack CD. Nominated for the Critics' Choice Best Comedy, this is well worth your time, either on the big screen now or later in your living room.