Main Image: 

Published: 18 March 2010
by DAN CARRIER

THIS is based on a true story and shines an unpleasant light on the Texas penal system. I’ll dodge explaining why – it would ruin the ending. But bear in mind this film takes place during George W Bush’s governor years.

Jim Carrey plays Steven Russell, a God-fearing cop whose life changes when he is involved in a horrible car crash. 

He comes round, and decides he doesn’t want to be a law enforcement officer anymore, doesn’t want to go to church and isn’t in love with his wife – actually, he decides it’s time to face up to a fact he has known for a long time, and start living: he comes out. 

Steven discovers that “being gay is really expensive” and so turns his talents to a series of frauds and cons to keep him and his new boyfriend in the lifestyle they have become accustomed to. He gets nicked and goes to prison – thus prompting a series of jailbreaks, scams, and general derring-do ­situations where you hope he wins but invariably doesn’t.

Ewan McGregor plays Philip Morris, a fellow inmate our hero meets while in prison, and falls for, big time. Steven’s wish is to be fantastically rich and enjoy the trappings of a luxury lifestyle with his love – and he will stop at nothing to make sure this happens.

McGreogor at first appears uncomfortable as the significant other – his Texan accent wobbles a little, with peeks of Scottish brogue wandering through. 

To further undermine a great premise, moments of mirth are sometimes undermined by stupid gay stereotypes. But while the whole thing is far-fetched, although a true story, it is more enjoyable than if you went along expecting a piece of fiction.