Netflix Summary:
When Texas cop Steven Russell realizes he’s gay, he changes his life and pulls con jobs that land him jail, where he meets his one true love. When the man is transferred to another prison, lovesick Steven mounts a series of jailbreaks.
FYA Summary:
Based on the real-life misadventures of a man currently serving a life sentence in a Texas prison — more for being an embarrassment to then Governor George W. Bush than actually because of the severity of his crimes. Steven Russell has spent his whole life searching: for his birth mother, for love, for success, for identity. He finds the first three, but what eludes him is himself. And he’s kind of okay with that. This ridiculous and fun story somehow *coughEwanMcGregorcough* manages to bring sincerity along with its portrayal of being fabulously gay in the 80s.
Familiar Faces:
Ewan McGregor as Phillip Morris
Ewan McGregor, Scottish man of my dreams, yet again displays talent unsurpassed by anyone, anywhere. Really. As Phillip Morris, he is shy and sweet and sexy, and is the SOLE reason you believe this love story. But he doesn’t stop there. McGregor takes the wacky comedy in stride and turns in an impassioned performance that had me misty-eyed on more than one occasion. He brings the romance, and the drama. I mean, he convinced me he was in love with Jim Carrey, for cryin’ out loud! ‘Nuff said.
Jim Carrey as Steven Russell
Jim Carrey wasn’t… annoying in this movie. In fact, he was funny in a way I haven’t found him since Dumb & Dumber, and pulled off the poignant moments, too. If only I didn’t dislike his face so much.
Leslie Mann as Debbie
Leslie Mann is in this movie! She’s one of my dream celebrity girlfriends! And she’s great as Steven’s wife, who believes God has a plan for him.
Couch-Sharing Capability: High
Whether you want to get together with a bunch of girlfriends and swoon over Ewan McGregor, enjoy it with a male counterpart, or watch it by yourself so you can give in to the sniffles, this was a great movie for me to share.
Recommended Level of Inebriation: N/A
I know, I know. It’s hard to believe that we here at FYA headquarters do anything without a champ can, but it’s true. Anyhoo, this movie is enjoyable enough that you can watch it with or without imbibing.
Use of Your Streaming Subscription: Great
If you’ve gotten the feeling that I really liked this movie… then I guess you’ve been reading this post.
