Rating- * * * * (4/5)
There are a lot people who immediately were turned off by this film, but anyone who actually saw it agreed that while it isn’t the most insightful or important film of the year, it is definitely one of the most enjoyable. This film stars Jim Carrey as a Hollywood screenwriter in the McCarthy era who is about to be blacklisted. However, before this can occur, Carrey drives his car into the ocean and washes ashore near a small, coastal town with a case of amnesia. As soon as Carrey walks into town, he is identified as a long-lost war hero by his “father” played by Martin Landau. Since Carrey doesn’t know any better, he begins to believe that he might be that long-lost war hero and stars to lose his big-city, Hollywood attitude in favor of a more small-town mentality. As part of his return to the town, Landau decides to reopen the dilapidated movie hall, The Majestic Theater. The reopening of the theater rejuvenates the dwindling spirits of the town but begins to raise doubts about the true identity of Carrey’s character. The story is fairly simple and the message is mixed, but there is a very patriotic speech delivered by Carrey at the House Un-American Activities Committee. Jim Carrey turns out a fantastic performance as an undeniably likable guy and Martin Landau is delightful as always. This movie got a lot of criticism for not ceasing on any important topics or not having a more relevant subject matter, but in truth it is a charming, old-fashioned movie. It is very reminiscent of a Frank Capra film in its uplifting storyline and the visual style is appealing in a nostalgic sort of way. This movie proves that the feel-good movie can be done well and I while I wouldn’t put this movie on any list of great films, it is definitely one of the most enjoyable movies I saw in 2001 and I walked away with a smile on my face and a song in my heart.