Best of Jim Carrey and Jeff Daniels

“Just when I thought you couldn't possibly be any dumber, you go and do something like this... and totally redeem yourself!”

-Harry Dunne, Dumb and Dumber

20 Years Later and Still Dumber Than Ever

On November 14, Jim Carrey and Jeff Daniels return to screens in their iconic roles as two idiotic friends. After twenty years, Harry and Lloyd have jumped back into the Mutt Cutts van for another dumb adventure.

Twenty years is a long time and these hilarious actors have changed quite a bit, so in honor of the release of Dumb and Dumber To, have a look back at both of their eclectic careers.  

Jim Carrey: The Rubber Faced Comedian Turned Dramatist

Recently Jim Carrey hosted Saturday Night Live and perfectly lampooned his comedic starring roles proving that he’s still got it. The only problem with the sketch is that it focused on Carrey’s comedic performances, but some of our favorite films he starred in actually presented his dramatic abilities.

Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind

Who could possibly forget Carrey’s departure from talking butts and goofy facial expressions when he starred in Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind opposite Kate Winslet? Carrey as the tragic character Joel Barish is brilliant. The actor manages to pull back his aggressive comedy antics and falls into the role subtlely.

The Mask

Jim Carrey produced comedy gold in the 90’s. The actor released hit after hit, had both children and adults laughing hysterically, and dominated the box office. The Mask was one of Carrey’s biggest hits and showcases an actor completely in his element. The rubber faced man obviously delighted in the manic energy of the film and is seen having fun spoofing everything from Tex Avery cartoons to Sally Field’s Oscar speech. Sssssmokin!

Man on the Moon

We’ve now told you about a modern classic comedy and drama, but the film that perfectly captures both genres is Man on the Moon. This underrated film brings to light the life of comedian Andy Kaufman, an inspiration and idol to many comedians including Jim Carrey. Carrey perfectly captures the unique stylized content Kaufman was so famous for and brings humanity to the face of the kooky comedian.

Jeff Daniels: A Charming Actor with a Dark Side

Jeff Daniels is one of the best character actors in film and finally stepped into leading man status after years of stealing scenes in films. For that reason, we want to see everything that Daniels has to offer whether he’s making a big splash in one scene or finally getting his just desserts as a leading man.

The Purple Rose of Cairo

Woody Allen is a controversial man, but it’s obvious that he’s a man who loves the cinema. Nowhere is it clearer than in his 1985 film The Purple Rose of Cairo. Daniels plays an optimistic, young character in a film that Mia Farrow watches every day. It’s a beautiful romantic tale directed and written with a steady hand by Allen and perfectly acted by Mia Farrow and Daniels.

The Squid and the Whale

The Squid and the Whale is one of the most underrated movies of the last ten years and features phenomenal performances by Daniels, Jesse Eisenberg, and Laura Linney. Daniels plays Eisenberg’s father, who is divorcing his wife played by Linney. Daniels’ character is far from the ideal father, but his dry humor and existential life lessons make for an electric performance.

The Newsroom

You can’t talk about Jeff Daniels today without mentioning his impressive performance on the HBO television show The Newsroom. Daniels perfectly captures the 24 hour news cycles string of personalities. Additionally, he embodies the frustration of many American citizens, upset with the path of current news media.

We’re huge fans of this dumb duo and we anxiously await the return of Harry and Lloyd. Don’t forget to see Dumb and Dumber To at Aksarben Cinema when it comes out on November 14!