For some strange reason I seem to be the only person in this country to not "get" the Jim Carrey thing.  He was always stupid and his silly humor was repugnant to me and extremely hard to watch.  I can proudly say I have NEVER paid to see one of his comedies.  Now, flip that coin!  This guy is ONE great actor and I am now officially a fan.  I was doubtful that he could be a dramatic actor.  Well, those doubts were laid to rest today.  He did a fabulous job in a very good picture.

The time was the early 50's and the House UnAmerican Activities hearings were in full swing.  Carrey is an unjustly accused screen writer who has his life turned upside down literally overnight.  He decides to take a drive up the coast to clear his head. An unforseen occurrence causes amnesia.  He stumbles into the small, BEAUTIFUL town of Lawson, California.  He has a strong resemblance to a Congressionally decorated soldier who was missing in action.  He is immediately embraced by the entire town who had lost more than their share of young boys in WWII.  A still grieving father played by Martin Landau (Ed Wood) claims him as the long lost son he and the town both still need.  There is also a sweetheart that hasn't quite moved on in the form of Laurie Holden (?) who is anxious to "believe".  The whole TOWN wants to "believe"!

The title, TheMajestic, comes from the name of the movie theatre that Luke (Carrey) and his father (Landau) used to operate.  It's run down and hasn't been open since the war.  But now that "hope" is back in Lawson, both the theatre and community are rejuvenated.  Can it last?  And will his "other" life resurface?  Hmmmm?

The Director of this picture showed us an America that has been gone for some time. A small town where folks care about each other and stand together.  Frank Darabont is no stranger as a story teller.  The Green Mile and The Shawshank Redemption are two fine examples of his craft.  He continues to get better.  Adding to a stellar cast are Hal Holbrook (Creepshow), David Ogden Stiers (Doc Hollywood), Jeffrey DeMunn (The GreenMile) and James Whitmore (ShawshankRedemption).  This was a picture that I will see again.  I personally remember "that" America and enjoyed this fond look back.  I REALLY enjoyed it!

"In a place like this the magic is all around you.  The trick is to see it!"

RECOMMENDATION:  If you want sex and violence, you won't find it here.  What you will find is a GOOD picture you can take Mom AND the Kids to see.

TWO HUGE 35MM, "MAJESTIC" THUMBS UP!

Movie Review © 2002 by Terry Anderson