Directed by Ben Stiller, "The Cable Guy" is a great vehicle for the talents of Jim Carrey, who plays the titular character aka Chip Douglas. Matthew Broderick plays Steven, who is moving into a new apartment after his girlfriend asks him to move out of the apartment they shared. On the day he moves, he waits hours for the cable guy to show up, which he finally does, but Steven gets a lot more than he bargained for as Chip proves to be intrusive, obnoxious, insinuating, and parasitic--yet sometimes lovable. Jim Carrey's performance is a tour de force, displaying the wide range of his acting talents. Some of this is due to a good script, but Carrey undoubtedly riffs in some scenes.
Broderick does a fine job as the reasonable man who lacks the tools to deal with a force of nature like Chip. Like putty in the hands of a master manipulator, Steven slowly loses control over his life.
"The Cable Guy" is an homage to the many films about stalkers, especially those who imagine themselves to be spurned friends.
The film contains many references to television shows and movies (even in its casting)--an element of enjoyment for viewers who like to spot them.
Thanks to excellent editing, the final version of the film walks the line between darker elements and a lighter, comedic tone very successfully.
Broderick does a fine job as the reasonable man who lacks the tools to deal with a force of nature like Chip. Like putty in the hands of a master manipulator, Steven slowly loses control over his life.
"The Cable Guy" is an homage to the many films about stalkers, especially those who imagine themselves to be spurned friends.
The film contains many references to television shows and movies (even in its casting)--an element of enjoyment for viewers who like to spot them.
Thanks to excellent editing, the final version of the film walks the line between darker elements and a lighter, comedic tone very successfully.