The Number 23 - 8 stars out of 10

The Number 23 - 8 stars out of 10

As I was rewatching "The Number 23," I was really starting to wonder why I had given it such a high rating the first time around.  Carrey's serious performance is not as impressive as "The Majestic" or "The Truman Show," there was too much sex (p.s. don't watch the unrated version), and I wasn't really enjoying the Fingerling sequences.  But then the twist occured and everything came back into focus.  The reveal is so intricate and extensive that the word "impressive" cannot do it justice.  It is also so complex that it requires 10-15 minutes to bring everything to light.  I'm trying not to give anything away, but when they go back and forth between "realities" to show the parallels, everything perfectly adds up to 23.  And you'll  23 everywhere that you go after this movie is over.  Birthdates, badminton scores, license plates - you name it and it'll add up to 23.  Despite what I said about Carrey earlier, he manages to drive the film through his intensity and contrasting personalities.  Sometimes he feels a bit over the top, but it isn't worthy of his Razzie nomination.  Virginia Madsen is inspiring in this role as her dedication to her husband leads her to do anything to cure his illogical behavior, especially when he begins to threaten her.  Danny Huston is good as the sometimes antagonist and I love Lynn Collins as The Suicide Blonde, just because it's such a cool role.  "The Number 23" has been heavily panned by critics.  And by heavily panned, we're talking pure hatred.  But its twist is too good to resist and I don't think that you will regret watching it.