Yes, there were misfires like “Man on the Moon” but, overall, it’s one of the most impressive runs any actor has ever had or ever will have. The actor’s films have collectively grossed nearly $6 billion worldwide and he’s still starring in hits such as “Sonic the Hedgehog” a full three decades after his breakout role as a wacky pet detective. Few movie stars will ever achieve this level of success. Moreover, even those who are lucky enough to ascend so rarely do so by existing on their own terms as a singular performer.
In reflection, it’s worth marveling at what Carrey was able to do with what was on the page. It would have been so easy to snub your nose down at a silly movie about a pet detective, take the check, and hope for the best. Instead, he saw an opportunity to truly do something with the material and, though critics might disagree, he created a comedy classic that has endured. On the back of that film, he built a career the likes of which we might never see again. Theatrical comedy isn’t what it once was and, more than that, Hollywood seems to have trouble making new movie stars of any kind. Tom Cruise is maybe the last true blue movie star we have in some ways.
Sure, maybe this movie would have worked with Rick Moranis. I imagine a lot of people would like to see that version of it. But in giving the role to Jim Carrey, a new movie star was born. Heck, broader popular culture was altered through this actor’s classic performances. So sure, Hollywood can keep bleeding aging movie stars dry but if there’s one lesson to be learned from this movie 30 years removed, it’s that taking chances on new stars is worth it.
The real Jim Carrey won’t be here forever, and the next Jim Carrey is out there somewhere. Hollywood just needs to give them the breakout role they deserve.