Jim Carrey’s Scary Comedy ‘The Cable Guy’ Comes to Streaming on Max

by

As a movie lover who has spent countless hours watching comedies and thrillers alike, I can confidently say that “The Cable Guy” is a hidden gem that deserves more recognition than it currently receives. With its 55% Rotten Tomatoes score, one might be quick to dismiss this film, but they would be sorely mistaken.

In January, the Warner Bros./Discovery platform will stream “The Cable Guy,” and I couldn’t recommend it more as a way to beat the post-holiday blues. The film is undeniably unsettling due to Jim Carrey’s maniacal performance and his character’s warped idea of friendship, but it’s also one of the funniest ways to ring in the New Year. It’s a damning critique of television itself, and a testament to Carrey’s range as an actor.

The film tells the story of Steven Kovacs (Matthew Broderick), a yuppie who moves to an apartment by himself after a marriage proposal doesn’t go as planned. When he gets cable, the installer, Chip Douglas, is convinced they’re destined to be friends. Chip becomes an intrusive stranger to Steven, and while it appears he just wants to help the newly single guy, the cable guy embeds himself into Steven’s life in aggressively uncomfortable ways.

Directed by Ben Stiller and produced by Judd Apatow, “The Cable Guy” co-stars Leslie Mann, Jack Black, George Segal, Bob Odenkirk, David Cross, Janeane Garofalo, Andy Dick, and Eric Roberts. The film made over $100 million at the box office, not bad for a comedy, but unfortunately, it didn’t leave much room for profit due to its excessive $47 million production budget.

Jim Carrey was at his absolute best in “The Cable Guy,” delivering one of his most underrated performances. By 1996, he had already made a name for himself with films like “Ace Ventura,” “The Mask,” and “Dumb and Dumber.” In “The Cable Guy,” Carrey pushed the boundaries of what was expected of him as a comedian, and it paid off in spades.

To sum it up, if you’re looking for a laugh this New Year’s Eve, look no further than “The Cable Guy.” Just remember, don’t take any cable advice from Chip Douglas – he may seem harmless, but he’s anything but!

Next January, the gripping dark comedy thriller “The Cable Guy,” starring Jim Carrey and directed by Ben Stiller, will be available to stream on Max. Despite earning a 55% score on Rotten Tomatoes, many consider it one of the most exceptional comedies from its era.

Featuring Jim Carrey in an often overlooked stellar performance, the dark comedy film “The Cable Guy” will be streamed starting January 1 on the Warner Bros./Discovery platform, providing a chuckle to help beat the post-holiday blues. Although it’s rather disturbing thanks to Carrey’s intense portrayal and his character’s twisted view of friendship, “The Cable Guy” remains one of the funniest ways to welcome the New Year. Additionally, it serves as a sharp critique of television itself.

In a nutshell, the movie “The Cable Guy” follows the tale of Steven Kovacs (portrayed by Matthew Broderick), who finds himself living alone in an apartment after his marriage proposal to Robin is rejected. Upon securing cable service, the installer, Chip Douglas, perceives Steven as a newfound companion. However, Chip’s friendship with Steven takes an unsettling turn as he becomes increasingly intrusive into Steven’s life, seemingly aiming to aid the single man. Yet, the actions of the well-meaning cable guy gradually transform into uncomfortable incursions into Steven’s personal sphere.

In the realm of cinema, I found myself immersed in “The Cable Guy,” a film masterfully directed by Stiller and produced by the brilliant Judd Apatow. This movie boasts an impressive cast, including Leslie Mann, Jack Black, George Segal, Bob Odenkirk, David Cross, Janeane Garofalo, Andy Dick, and Eric Roberts.

Stepping into the limelight alongside these talented individuals, “The Cable Guy” raked in over $100 million at the box office, which is quite a feat for a comedy production. However, the substantial $47 million production budget left little wiggle room for profits. A significant portion of that budget, to be precise, $20 million, was allocated to Carrey’s salary. More recently, Broderick shared his thoughts on Carrey’s earnings during our time working together:

It’s impressive that he accomplished so much, but it also placed a significant burden upon him in an unusual manner. It hadn’t been too long ago that he was relatively unknown, and now he’s the highest-paid individual. He feels as if he has to be a genius every second of every day. Therefore, I could empathize with the stress and self-imposed pressure he must be experiencing.

Jim Carrey at His Most Unhinged Is the Best Jim Carrey

In the ’90s, Jim Carrey was quite a sensation, and “The Cable Guy” is just another testament to his versatility. By 1996, he had starred in two “Ace Ventura” films, “The Mask,” “Batman Forever,” and one “Dumb and Dumber.” In 1994 alone, he had three significant releases that significantly impacted his career trajectory. When he portrayed Chip Douglas in “The Cable Guy,” he was already established as Hollywood’s maverick of comedy, but in Stiller’s film, he stepped out of his comfort zone – luckily for us.

As a devoted fan, I must say that the movie delivers the classic Jim Carrey character we’ve come to expect. He plays a maniac with a lisp, who is fixated on TV signals and isn’t shy about expressing it. He’s also a lonely soul, willing to go to any length to make a new friend.

Carrey’s portrayal in this film is that of a subdued sociopath, an unpredictable everyman capable of murder, yet if spurned, he retaliates proportionately. To top it off, his acting skills showcase the physical spectrum, much like Harold Lloyd on steroids.

During the late ’90s, Carrey shifted significantly, opting for more serious roles instead of the lucrative comedies he was previously known for. However, The Cable Guy serves as an excellent reminder of his past prowess in an industry that wholeheartedly supported him and granted him immense freedom. It encapsulates the best aspects of both Carreys – when Jim Carrey is at his uninhibited best, it showcases his undeniable comedic genius, and The Cable Guy offers a fantastic demonstration of his boundless talent.

Read More

2024-12-29 03:02