The Number 23

Tonight I watched a movie that I have had for a while now, but just never got around to watching. I think a lot of it had to do with the fact that I didn't really know much about this movie and I was hesitant about giving it a shot. Jim Carrey is typically known for humorous roles, however this movie (from what I had heard) wasn't a comedy, so naturally I was skeptical.

The Number 23 stars Jim Carrey as Walter Sparrow, an average guy with an average job (dog catcher). He has a wife, Agatha Sparrow (played by Virginia Madsen) and a son, Robin Sparrow (Logan Lerman). This typical man living his typical life finds himself "thrown out of orbit" so to speak when he has an "off day" which makes him late meeting his wife after work. While she is waiting for him she comes across a book at a book store where she was passing the time waiting for him. Once he finally arrives she tries to convince him that he should give it a go. Needless to say, he eventually picks it up, not expecting to be impressed and quickly becomes consumed in it's pages. 

The book speaks of the number 23 and how it took over the life of the main character, Fingerling, who is a detective. The numbers ruin all that he is, and drive him to things he wouldn't normally do. This terrible curse begins to affect the life of our ordinary Walter Sparrow who thought he would just be reading some ridiculous book and before he knows it, he too is losing his sanity and at the same time unveiling the shocking truth behind the book.

That is a brief description without revealing too much about the movie. I certainly don't want to ruin it for anyone, but simply give a description for those who don't know anything about the film.

I would definitely encourage others to see this movie for many reasons. For starters, the movie throws us viewers off a few times leading us to think we had figured it out, when indeed we hadn't. As a viewer of this film I could eventually feel for Walter once I reached a point in the movie that I thought he was on to something and not just crazy. What's more fascinating is that I never really knew for sure if he wasn't just crazy though. This creative story line designed to keep viewers in question about what will happen next, is a magnificent piece of work.

Secondly, I must say that Jim Carrey surprised me taking on such a role. I wasn't sure if he could pull it off but he proved me wrong. Jim Carrey is a man associated with laughter and silliness, but watching this movie I quickly adapted to his character Walter and the fact that it wasn't a humor filled role. That being said, this portrays Jim Carrey's true skills as an actor. Many actors and actresses stick to a specific or select type of role, meaning it takes talent to pull off a role so opposite that of which an actor or actress is accustomed to playing. Well done sir, well done.

Lastly, what I find fascinating about this film is it's relation to real life events. Sure, the plot wasn't based on a real life event, but there are people who believe such things. Who let themselves become obsessed with something, ultimately ruining their life. As sad as it is, the strange, erie aspects of such cases make for some excellent cinema entertainment.

Seen the film? Chime in, let me know your thoughts! I'm no expert, and I'm only here to express my opinion. Feel free to comment.