The Most Misunderstood Jim Carrey Movie Is Tearing Up The Streaming Charts

One of the most misunderstood and important films that Jim Carrey has ever been in is tearing up the streaming charts, and it teaches heroism, friendship, and loyalty.

By James Brizuela | Published

jim carrey

Jim Carrey is arguably one of the most important actors of our generation. Although the man has all but retired from acting, as was his statement before Sonic the Hedgehog 2 came out, there is still hope that we might see him on the big screen in the future. The man has appeared in some of the best comedies that have ever been devised. Ace Ventura, The Truman Show, and The Mask have been wildly entertaining and have driven home some of the best slapstick comedies the cinema world has ever seen. However, one of Carrey’s most misunderstood films is currently tearing up the streaming charts. What epic film is that? None other than Dumb & Dumber.

Although the man is one of the most celebrated actors, he has often received plenty of hate for his earlier works. Not every one of the slapstick comedies he was involved in was considered to be a “home run.” That was certainly not the case for Dumb and Dumber. The 1994 film is often referred disrespectfully referred to as one of the most “stupid” entries that Jim Carrey has ever released. But that is where the issue lies. This film contains so many important moments of heroism, friendship, and loyalty.

jim carrey dumb and dumber

Dumb and Dumber follows Lloyd Christmas (Jim Carrey) and Harry Dunne (Jeff Daniels), who are two best friends who are on the outs with practically every government agency possible. They can’t pay their bills, as both are fired from their jobs. Lloyd crashes his limousine after fantasizing over a woman named Mary, whom he gives a ride. Harry is a dog groomer who drives like a maniac and turns some show dogs into an absolute mess. After being fed up with their situation and finding a briefcase in the airport left by Mary, the pair decided to return the briefcase to the woman in Aspen, Colorado.

Dumb and Dumber made a staggering $247 million at the box office, against a budget of $17 million. Based on inflationtool.com, that $247 would be worth $485 million today. That is not bad for a comedy. The Rotten Tomatoes score is 67% critic rating and a much higher 84% audience rating. Based on these numbers, the film was a rousing success. Despite the critics coming after the film for just being a comedy, they lauded both the performances from Jim Carrey and Jeff Daniels.

Lloyd (Jim Carrey) and Harry have a relationship that was tested in the film, and it stands as one of the most beautiful in cinema. Despite his misunderstood comedy being lumped into the slapstick comedy genre, there was more at play for this cinematic masterpiece. Lloyd and Harry showed the world what it meant to truly love someone. This is where heroism, friendship, and loyalty come into play. Without knowing they were wrapped in a kidnapping scandal; Lloyd takes the briefcase left by Mary all the way back to Colorado when he didn’t need to. That’s heroism. Sure, he was in love with her, but he was willing to risk life and limb to make sure she got her item back. When the boys finally discover the danger they are in, they protect one another, Harry even risks getting shot to save Lloyd. That’s friendship. Though they both fall in love with the same woman, they still find a way back to one another in the end. That’s loyalty.

Those of you who watch Twilight and love those films for the deep love story or find yourselves watching countless romantic comedies where the two stars fall back in love in the end, always remember Dumb and Dumber. The film proved nothing is stronger than the relationship between Lloyd (Jim Carrey) and Harry. They are willing to take a bullet for one another, literally.

Dumb and Dumber is currently in the top 10 on Netflix currently, and it should honestly be higher. The film holds one of the most important relationships in cinema history, and both Jim Carrey and Jeff Daniels work well with one another. Though the sequel did not live up to its potential, the original film will always be heralded as one of the best comedies ever written. Without Lloyd and Harry, there would be no Edward and Bella. Remember that.