Genre: Thriller/Mystery/Drama

Director: Joel Schumacher

Certificate: The Number 23 was rated 15A by the Irish Film Censor's Office (www.ifco.ie) i.e. suitable for those of 15A years of age or upwards.  Person under 15 years must be accompanied by an adult.

Violence = strong. Drugs = mild. Sex/Nudity = mild. Language = strong.

OFFICIAL WEBSITE: The Number 23

It was with a certain amount of trepidation that I went to watch Mr Carrey in this as I have never been a huge fan, but having watched the trailers I thought it would be something a bit different and it was certainly that.  It's a drama/mystery about Walter Sparrow (Carrey) a genial family man who works for the city catching stray dogs.  However, one day his life changes when his wife Agatha (Virginia Masden) buys him a book from a second hand bookshop about the number 23, and he becomes obsessed with it, and the number, and how he can configure all sorts of dates and events etc. to arrive back at the number 23.

The Number 23 is shot in the film noir style with both actors playing parallel parts as the story unfolds, it's a tad chaotic in the first half and you have to concentrate hard to follow events, it also has its darker moments and this may not suit the wider audience.

That said, during the second half the pace picks up and Carrey's commentary which is evident throughout most of the film is quite hypnotic at times, and he gives a credible performance that certainly holds the interest.  I have a feeling this film with gather a following as the numbers game generates intrigue.  Cleverly during the opening credits the filmmakers tantalise the audience with all sorts of world events that have some sort of connection with the number 23.

There are a few twists and turns along the way with an ending that I didn't quite see coming and ties up the whole thing nicely.  Great support from Ms Madsen and Danny Huston who takes on two roles, and the cinematography and lighting are worth a mention.

It's a film where you have to open your mind to all sorts of possibilities, it didn't blow me away but it certainly had its moments for sure.  I am loath to give too much away on this one as it's certainly a film that you have to judge for yourself.

In a word - Different.

If you enjoy The Number 23 you might also like Don't Say A Word,  Secret Window, or The Manchurian Candidate.

Reviewed by Mary Kate, Premier Movie Reviews 2007.

RELATED MOVIE REVIEWS:

• JOEL SCHUMACHER: Phone Booth,  The Phantom Of The Opera,  Veronica Guerin.
• JIM CARREY: Bruce Almighty,  Eternal Sunshine Of The Spotless Mind,  Lemony Snicket's A Series Of Unfortunate Events,  Me Myself and Irene,  The Grinch.
• LOGAN LERMAN: Riding In Cars With Boys,  The Butterfly Effect,  The Patriot,  What Women Want.
• DANNY HUSTON: Birth,  Children of Men,  The Aviator.
• LYNN COLLINS: 13 Going On 30,  50 First Dates,  The Merchant of Venice.
• RHON MITRA: Hollow Man,  Sweet Home Alabama,  The Life of David Gale.

Jim Carrey

Virginia Madsen

Logan Lerman

Danny Huston

Lynn Collins

Rhon Mitra

WORTH A WATCH