Movie review: "Yes Man" (2008)

The gist: Scarred by a failed marriage, Carl Allen (Jim Carrey) spends his nights watching DVDs, refusing further social engagements. When an acquaintance goads him into attending a self-help seminar, he's initially sceptical of the "just say yes" philosophy espoused by guru Terrence Bundley (Terence Stamp). But after it pays an immediate dividend in the form of a smooch from an attractive stranger - Allison (Zooey Deschanel) - he begins agreeing to any and every request with a convert's zeal. Whether it's learning to fly a plane or volunteering at a soup kitchen or fighting a bar thug, our boy's up for the challenge. And he soon runs into that girl again.

Selling points: High-concept hilarity that isn't delivered at the expense of a balanced plot. Carl's unknowingly ultra-unhip boss Norman is played by Rhys Darby, aka Murray Hewitt from HBO musical sitcom "Flight Of The Conchords". The eclectic soundtrack makes awesome use of Journey's 1983 rock masterpiece "Separate Ways (Worlds Apart)". Blokes will want to be Carl and be with Allison. I can't speak for the ladies.

It's kinda like: One of those flicks where the people who don't do the Harold Holt for the exit when the credits roll are rewarded with a bonus scene part-way through.

Final word: Affirmative action/comedy/romance.

[Australian cinema release date: January 1]