By Katherine Doublet

At one point during Joel Schumacher’s psychological thriller The Number 23, Walter Sparrow (Jim Carrey) questions if the number is a curse or a blessing, and as shocking as it sounds, it is a curse… the movie that is.

The Number 23 was supposed to be an original movie that set a new standard for spooky flicks and proved Jim Carrey could indeed pursue a serious acting career. Once again, however, the audience is left disappointed, tired of hearing the same two digits repeated over and over again.

After running late from a long day at work, Animal Control Officer Walter Sparrow receives a surprise from his wife, Agatha (Virginia Madsen). The gift is a self-published book by Topsy Kretts entitled The Number 23. The book follows Fingerling (also played by Carrey), an ambitious detective who explores the dangers of the number 23 in the novel. The story quickly consumes the self-conscious Sparrow, who cannot help but relate to the main character’s life and personality, and most importantly, his obsession with the number 23. The number becomes a chilling motif in his life; it’s everywhere he turns and practically every other word of the script.

Eventually the couple, accompanied by their teenaged son Robin (Logan Lerman) set out on an adventure to track down the author of the book. They hope to question his logic and motives in writing the horrific tale, which seems to be more about Walter than the fictional Detective Fingerling.

Disregarding the lack of chemistry between the talented actors and their bland characters, The Number 23 has several unpredictable twists in the plot. It also contains trendy yet unique visual effects, with punchy music that went along with dark scenes. But even this and the appearance of a shirtless and robust Carrey can make up for a movie this ridiculously over-hyped.

GRADE: D