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ben3308 · 02-24-2007, 09:53 AM

Wow, after reading this, this is a pretty hefty review, so bear with me here....

I just got back from a fully sold out showing of The Number 23 and I was really blown away. I've always been an on-again/off-again fan of Joel Schumacher (Falling Down did it for me, Batman and Robin just....didn't) so I was expecting something either really cheesy or really dramatic. The latter proved the more evident.

The main storyline of the movie is shot and edited with that suspenseful, unexpected cinematography we've come to expect from horror/suspense movies: lingering camerawork, orchestral high points, all leading up to a still feeling of paranoia; or a sense of impending doom. And this is all before Jim Carrey even starts to read the book.

When the story delves into the book itself- which is the really one of the more engaging points of the movie- the mood changes entirely. We dive straight from Jim Carrey's calm, suburban life as an Animal Control Officer into a gritty, film noir style detective story with Carrey as detective Fingerling, a balls-to-the-wall tough cop who leads a dark life. The story sets off with Fingerling getting a call to try and calm down a girl who is planning to hang herself, indubitably named, "The Suicide Blonde"; and from here, the mood turns very Sin City-esque. Upon trying to reason with the girl, Fingerling discovers she's trying to kill herself to rid her mind of the curse of the number 23. Bewildered, Fingerling inquires, and from there he himself becomes cursed by the commonality of the number.

From here on out, the movie gets better and better, though I won't spoil much for you. I will say, though, that this movie isn't a horror film in the slightest. Rather, it's a dark, deep psychological thriller that will have you guessing the ending- and then guessing again. Where most movies these days leave you with one solid twist and a cliche ending, the evasiveness of The Number 23's ending and the poise with which the story is told will have you trying to figure it out as the conclusion of the movie draws nearer and nearer.

As someone who absolutely hates the horror genre and was sort of forced into seeing this movie, I've gotta say I'm completely satisfied. My friends didn't find it as completely mind-blowing as I did (I'm a fan of clever storytelling, that's mainly why I loved Deja Vu), we all agree this movie was definitely worth the hassle it took to see it. (Tickets cost us 9 bucks a pop, and the movie people had to check our tickets and ID's five times because of it being sold out)

All-in-all, a movie I think will certain pull favortism from drama or thriller buffs, and will likely appeal to an even wider audience. My vote: a solid 9/10.

02-24-2007, 09:53 AM	#44 (permalink)
ben3308 Zuner Join Date: Jan 2007 Posts: 55 Reputation: 10 $zB: 0 Donate	The Number 23 Wow, after reading this, this is a pretty hefty review, so bear with me here.... I just got back from a fully sold out showing of The Number 23 and I was really blown away. I've always been an on-again/off-again fan of Joel Schumacher (Falling Down did it for me, Batman and Robin just....didn't) so I was expecting something either really cheesy or really dramatic. The latter proved the more evident. The main storyline of the movie is shot and edited with that suspenseful, unexpected cinematography we've come to expect from horror/suspense movies: lingering camerawork, orchestral high points, all leading up to a still feeling of paranoia; or a sense of impending doom. And this is all before Jim Carrey even starts to read the book. When the story delves into the book itself- which is the really one of the more engaging points of the movie- the mood changes entirely. We dive straight from Jim Carrey's calm, suburban life as an Animal Control Officer into a gritty, film noir style detective story with Carrey as detective Fingerling, a balls-to-the-wall tough cop who leads a dark life. The story sets off with Fingerling getting a call to try and calm down a girl who is planning to hang herself, indubitably named, "The Suicide Blonde"; and from here, the mood turns very Sin City-esque. Upon trying to reason with the girl, Fingerling discovers she's trying to kill herself to rid her mind of the curse of the number 23. Bewildered, Fingerling inquires, and from there he himself becomes cursed by the commonality of the number. From here on out, the movie gets better and better, though I won't spoil much for you. I will say, though, that this movie isn't a horror film in the slightest. Rather, it's a dark, deep psychological thriller that will have you guessing the ending- and then guessing again. Where most movies these days leave you with one solid twist and a cliche ending, the evasiveness of The Number 23's ending and the poise with which the story is told will have you trying to figure it out as the conclusion of the movie draws nearer and nearer. As someone who absolutely hates the horror genre and was sort of forced into seeing this movie, I've gotta say I'm completely satisfied. My friends didn't find it as completely mind-blowing as I did (I'm a fan of clever storytelling, that's mainly why I loved Deja Vu), we all agree this movie was definitely worth the hassle it took to see it. (Tickets cost us 9 bucks a pop, and the movie people had to check our tickets and ID's five times because of it being sold out) All-in-all, a movie I think will certain pull favortism from drama or thriller buffs, and will likely appeal to an even wider audience. My vote: a solid 9/10.