Yes Man

DKC and I watched Yes Man last night, and I have to say that I actually really enjoyed it. I wasn’t expecting to, if you can’t tell. Something about Jim Carrey in serious/funny movies just never feels quite right to me before I actually see the film. I only reluctantly watched Truman Show, for example. But then again, now that I think about it, I realize that he’s been in some of my favorite films, too–I adored Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, for example. But then again, he was also in that awful Grinch live action, so maybe he’s just a mixed bag in general. Anyway. I liked this movie (with the exception of one scene that I dearly wish I could scrub my mind of forever, and which makes me hesitant to recommend the movie to anyone. But it’s a scene you can see coming a mile away, and if you just skip it once it rears its ugly head, you’ll be fine.) For those of you who don’t know, the film is about Carrey as a man who always says no to everything. Doesn’t want to do anything. And then one day, he hears an inspirational speaker and decides to say yes. To everything. Hitchhikers? Yes. Dates with strange women? Yes. Persian wife finder.com? Yes. Hilarity and heartwarming ensue. I give the film three stars. It doesn’t get too ridiculously sappy (like Click did), and it manages to stay interesting and fun throughout. Carrey also gives a pretty good performance, only lapsing into insanity now and then, instead of all of the time.

Of course, the film also got me thinking. There are a lot of things that people pass up, just because they’re in a habit of saying no as default. I know I do this a lot. I’ll have an opportunity to do something or go somewhere, but it’s easier just to stay at home and do nothing–so that’s what I do. Skiing is a good example. So’s ice skating and anything outdoorsy for me. I always have a good time when I go, but I rarely do. I wonder if DKC and I could institute some sort of Yes Man policy–where we’re allowed to veto a “no” decision every so often. (I wonder how often would be too often?) She doesn’t want to see a certain movie? I veto that decision and make her say yes. I don’t want to go do something? She can do the same thing to me. Maybe this would work with my kids, too–if TRC really wanted me or DKC to do something or play something, he’d get a certain number of Yes Man cards or something . . .

Anyone done anything like that before? I know my sister does a thing with her weekly date night where she and her husband take turns planning the whole thing, and the other has to go along with. That’s along the same lines–other ideas? I’d love to hear them.