On this date, January 17, 1962, we welcomed one of the best slapstick performers to the world.
Happy birthday, Jim Carrey! Today, the American-Canadian actor turns 56 and what better way the celebrate the birthday of the star, whose mother has Irish ancestors, than with a look at some of his most popular movies, listed according to Rotten Tomato rankings.
Known for his slapstick, energetic, comedic performances, Carrey first hit the limelight in America in 1990 in the comedy sketch series “In Living Color.” Since then he’s gained critical acclaim in movies such as “The Truman Show” and “Man on the Moon,” for which he won a Golden Globe Award for Best Actor.
Read more: Jim Carrey to testify in wrongful death trial of Irish ex-girlfriend Cathriona White
Have we missed your favorite Jim Carrey movie in this list? Let us know about it in the comments section, below.
The Truman Show (1998)
Before reality TV had become as much of an obsession as it is in 2018, this satirical science fiction film sees Jim Carrey play Truman Burbank, the very first person to be adopted by a company so that his life can be turned into a simulated TV show from birth. The film was a critical success and won itself many Academy Award and Golden Globe nominations.
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004)
Also starring Kate Winslet, Elijah Wood and Kirsten Dunst, this Carrey science fiction movie takes more of a romantic spin for the actor, following him as Joel Barish, a man who has had all memory of a former lover erased from his brain, only to start dating her again. In 2016, Empire placed the movie at #83 in their 201 Greatest Movies of All Time poll, as voted for by readers.
Liar Liar (1997)
This fantasy comedy stars Carrey as career-focused lawyer Fletcher Reede, who learns a lesson about his lying nature when his son makes a wish that he can not tell a single lie for a whole day. Directed by Tom Shadyac, this was the second collaboration between Carrey and Shadyac, the other two “ Ace Ventura: Pet Detective” and “Bruce Almighty” coming later in our list.
Dr. Seuss' Horton Hears a Who! (2008)
Based on the book of the same name by Dr. Seuss, Carrey voices Horton the elephant, who struggles to protect a microscopic community from his neighbors who refuse to believe it exists. Carrey also appeared in an adaption of Dr. Seuss’ “How the Grinch Stole Christmas.”
The Mask (1994)
This dark comedy was based on a comic of the same name, revolving around an unlucky bank clerk finding a mask that grants the wearer cartoon-like superpowers. The movie all but cemented Carrey’s status in the mid 90s alongside his co-star Cameron Diaz.
Dumb and Dumber (1994)
1994 was a massive year for Carrey with the release of both “The Mask” and “Dumb and Dumber.” This buddy comedy, also starring Jeff Daniels, centers around the characters Lloyd Christmas and Harry Dunne, who make up the lack of common sense and intelligence between them by being incredibly well-meaning. It follows the pair as they believe they are undertaking a road trip to return a suitcase of money to its owner. Unfortunately for the pair, the suitcase was, in fact, ransom money and the criminals set to pick it up are now stalking them across the country. The movie has amassed a massive cult following since its release.
Bruce Almighty (2003)
What would you do if you were given complete control over the universe? Well, when God (Morgan Freeman) has heard enough of Bruce Nolan (Carrey) complaining that he’s not doing a good enough job, he decides to give the mere mortal the power to do what he does for just one week. Also starring Jennifer Aniston, “Bruce Almighty” quickly reveals that being God is not all it's cracked up to be.
Yes, Man (2008)
Loosely based on a 2005 book of the same name, “Yes, Man” asks what would happen to us if we stopped using negatives and simply said a great loud “YES” to absolutely everything that comes across our path. Carl Allen (Carrey) has something of a negative outlook on life but after he is publically forced to promise to say “yes” to everything when he attends a motivational seminar, his life takes a drastic turn.
Ace Ventura: Pet Detective (1994)
The third massive film for Carrey in 1994, “Ace Ventura” was the first of his collaborations with director Tom Shadyac. Carrey plays eccentric Miami-based private detective Ace Ventura who specializes in retrieving tame or captive animals. Often mocked, Ventura is tasked with returning the Miami Dolphins mascot, Snowflake the bottlenose dolphin, to the team before the Superbowl.
I Love You Phillip Morris (2009)
This black comedy, also starring Ewan McGregor, is based on the real-life story of con artist, imposter and multiple prison escapee Steven Jay Russell. Carrey plays Russell, who he falls in love with a fellow inmate (McGregor) and continues to escape from prison in order to be reunited with him.
What is your favorite Jim Carrey movie? Are you a fan of the actor?
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