The Majestic, clearly underrated, easily falls within my top 10 favorite dramas. Director Frank Darabont brings yet another wonderful story to life with great performances by a great and talented cast. No matter how many times I watch it, the movie still plays on my emotions.Although some people care little for Jim Carrey's comedy, I've always felt that his comedic talents were genuine. Seeing him in a serious role gives me even more respect for him as a performer. Carrey's character, Peter Appleton is somewhat a mystery to the viewer and the story gives you a "what if" feeling throughout most of the movie that keeps you wondering which life is real.Especially since his passing, the great Martin Landau's performances in this movie will bring you to tears. David Stiers has always given solid characters with his performances and without fail, brings the humble Doc Stanton to The Majestic. Playing against Jim Carrey's character, the antagonists (Bob Balaban, Hal Holbrook, Shawn Doyle and the late Daniel von Bargen) do a great job giving the conflict. There are many great lines (I forget) and scenes that give you the emotional roller-coaster ride experience many films fail to deliver. Top it off with a great ending, this movie will not disappoint.

There are a few distinct, primary issues with this film.The first thing is its attempt to create a sort of modern day fairy tale with an atmosphere bound in high emotion, drama and something of an epic frame, the film being so long over 2hours30min, and quite eventful. The story and chief concept were very interesting, and there is a lot of philosophy and idea in them, but the film never quite takes advantage of the platform it makes for itself and the emotional intensity feels rather constructed than genuine. Towards the end especially, it's just pushed down our throats too much and doesn't feel natural, or credible, and the most essential quality of emotion in cinema is credibility.Another thing about it is its over-the-top political/philosophical message, the whole bit about the legal system; that element seems overdone too, a bit of a sidetrack to the plot, and not necessarily inevitable.There's a taste of unfinished business, mismanaged tension, misused potential for emotion, and good plot elements that do not resolve into the anticipated climax. But it's a fine story, a fairly pleasant film to watch with good values, a certain essential candor, it is quite well played out considering the difficult premise, and then there's Jim Carey always there as the lead to help make any film more believable and endearing.6.5 or 7/10.

Jim Carrey did a fantastic and believable job in his dramatic role as screenwriter Peter Appleton in this touching patriotic movie. I love this movie and have watched it many times, often inviting friends to watch it. Invariably, they are also delighted and overwhelmed by Carrey's acting and that of the artfully performing supporting cast. I am disappointed that the reviews at the time of the movie came out were quite good but the box office earnings was poor. Perhaps the public did not believe that Jim Carrey could perform a movie role without being silly, comedic or vulgar. But he can, and he should have gotten much more recognition from Hollywood for his superb acting in this deserving cinematic effort without his usual tactics. I believe he did an Oscar performance. Jim, if you ever read this, please do more dramatic roles like this. Don't cheat the public from your talent and ability, which is to make us believe, make us enter into your world as we did in the world of Peter Appleton and Lawson, California.

Jim Carrey has always amused me with his quirky characters and how he can transform himself into silly but hilarious roles. But it wasn't until I saw this that I ever saw him as a serious actor. If this is the first Jim Carrey film that you see, you would never know that he is a comedian. Movies about the movie industry draw me in right away and this is no exception. A young Hollywood writer is off to a great start in his career. He has just written his first film, he has a movie star of a girlfriend, and life is good. However, that changes in a second when he is falsely accused of being a communist and as a result is fired from his job. After drinking too much, he goes for a drive and ends up falling from a bridge into a river. When he wakes, he is taken in by a nearby town who are mistaking him for a war veteran named Luke. His "father" is certain this is him and as a result they reopen a worn down movie theater that Luke was very fond of at one time. As I was watching, I couldn't help think of "Luke, I am your father". Please excuse my inappropriate Star Wars reference. This has exactly what a movie should have: strong characters, romance (without sex), suspense, and an excellent message. Sadly, this is one of the least known films in the careers of both director Frank Darabont. But I encourage you to see it and although quite long, I think you will get something out of it.