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Jim Carrey, Virginia Madsen, Logan Lerman, Danny Huston, Rhona Mitra ... see more see more... , Lynn Collins , Mark Pellegrino , Michelle Arthur , Paul Butcher , Ed Lauter , Maile Flanagan

Upon acquiring a mysterious book in which the number 23 seems to take on powerful cosmic significance, a once-sane man gradually becomes obsessed with the idea that the frequently recurring number may... read more read more... in fact hold a deadly secret in this intense mystery-thriller starring Jim Carrey and Virginia Madsen, and directed by Joel Schumacher. Walter Sparrow (Carrey) is a middle-aged dogcatcher whose wife Agatha (Madsen) has bestowed him with an obscure mystery novel detailing the investigation launched by a tough-talking gumshoe named Fingerling (also Carrey) whose every move seems to be overshadowed by the enigmatic eponymous number. After noting a series of alarming parallels shared between the fictional detective and himself, Walter is quickly drawn in to the story as the hard-boiled private investigator murders raven-wigged moll Fabrizia (also Madsen) and pins the crime on her unsuspecting lover (Danny Huston). Back in the real world, fiction seems to merge with reality as Walter and Agatha's close friend Isaac (also Huston) begins to ingratiate himself ever deeper into the couple's relationship and Walter begins experiencing a gruesome series of visions in which he violently murders an unfaithful Agatha. His mind fast descending into a dark and violent whirlwind of madness, Walter enlists the aid of Agatha and the pair's adolescent son Robin (Logan Lerman) in seeking out the author of the mysterious tome and uncovering the sinister truth behind the so-called "23 enigma." ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi

Flixster Users

61% liked it

457,527 ratings

Critics

8% liked it

186 critics

R, 1 hr. 38 min.

Directed by: Joel Schumacher

Release Date: February 23, 2007

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DVD Release Date: July 5, 2005

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Stats: 41,095 reviews

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Flixster Reviews (41,095)

  • jmanard52
    May 11, 2008
    jmanard52
    This was def a different role for Carrey and i enjoyed it. i think this movie had a chance to be so much more.
  • aquateen2
    December 28, 2011
    aquateen2
    The Number 23 is by no means confusing and a remarkable concept. It took my interest and took me ona thrill ride. In reality after watching the film. I realised it was about a number. Jim performed just as solidly and dramatically as he did in Eternal Sunshine and The Truman Show... read more. A favorite of mine but not built for the mainstream audience like it was supposed to be.
  • TheDudeLebowski65
    October 28, 2011
    TheDudeLebowski65
    The Number 23 is a great concept for a film ruined by a terrible script, bad acting and bad directing. I was very much looking forward in seeing this film, because the concept seemed appealing, and it is. However, the execution is so poorly done that the film falls apart halfway ... read morethrough. Joel Schumacher's directing is sloppy and he doesn't know what do to effectively build up the tension in his film, which if he had a clue, this film could have been great. The Number 23 is a sloppy horror thriller that falls short on every level. The twist ending sucked, the film was a waste of time, and Virginia Madsen overacted most of the time and most of the time she was so over the top, she was ridiculous. After finishing watching this film, I realized that The Number 23 was a joke; the film is a bad joke. The film tries to blend horror and suspense and thrills into one film, unfortunately the script is so poorly written that it fails to grab your attention and suck you into the story. Schumacher has made yet another flop and is along with Batman & Robin, one of the lowest points of his career as well as the second worst film of his career. The Number 23 is a missed opportunity and if some other director would have helmed the film, and rewritten the script and maybe recasted a few roles, then I think this film could have succeeded at being an effective thriller. But the film is a waste of time, and is a pretty stupid attempt at creating a good horror thriller. The Number 23 can be used as a perfect example as HOW NOT TO make a thriller. A terrible film that should be avoided.
  • FiLmCrAzY
    June 12, 2011
    FiLmCrAzY
    I had low expectations for this movie, however it turned out to be an okay movie that i surprisingly quite enjoyed.
    I liked the concept, and for once Jim Carrey didnt annoy me!
    Normally i dont like Jim Carrey as he's normally playing his goofy annoying characters however in thi... read mores movie he played completely the opposite, playing a dark character really suits him he actually was quite cute in this movie!
    The only problem with this movie is that Rhona mitra had far to little of a part!
    Its not a movie you should go out of your way to watch but if you catch it then its enjoyable enough!
  • fb634552688
    May 10, 2011
    fb634552688
    Seems dumb and feels like they're trying too hard to make it something it's not.
  • cosmo313
    June 22, 2010
    cosmo313
    This film had good intentions and a good concept, but was lacking in execution being solid. Joel Schimacher is a hot-or-miss director (usually miss), and, while this film isn't quite a hit, it's not bad enough ot be considered a miss. It's one of those films where if you want to ... read morewatch a thriller that toys with you, and/or are really bored, this is an okay way to kill time. I really liked Jim Carrey's performance in this. It was nice to see him in a really dark and serious role/film. He did a nice job, despite earneing a Razzie nomination for his work here. Had ths material been in the hands of a better writer and/or director, it probably would have been a decent hit. As it stands, it's in a weird limbo like place between good and bad, with individual perception being the deciding factor to which side it leans towards more.
  • 3niR
    April 25, 2010
    3niR
    Boring................zzzzzzzz
  • ScoopOnline
    December 1, 2009
    ScoopOnline
    Very weird Movie.
  • ythelastman89
    November 25, 2009
    ythelastman89
    While it is a terrible movie, it is pretty entertaining. Jim Carrey and Virginia Madsen did a very good job actually. It's really the obnoxious story that makes it such a ridiculous film. Joel Schumacher's bizarre direction also is a factor, but it's just an extremely predictable... read more premise.
  • 76Majikat
    December 12, 2008
    76Majikat
    Despite it?s depressing tone throughout, The Number 23 develops into an impressive conspiracy, mystery, psychological Thriller. I tend to find Jim Carrey?s serious roles more entertaining and find the films he chooses and the roles he plays very intense and thought provoking.
    ... read more
    There was a hint of Graphic Novel style added to some of the film too, which worked pretty well.

    This film, perhaps, isn?t for everyone, but if you like Thrillers, that get into your head and add an element of unpredictability, this film may be your kind of thing.

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Critic Reviews

Tom Charity
July 9, 2007
Tom Charity, CNN.com

For all its gimmicky numerology, The Number 23 just doesn't add up. Full Review

Jonathan F. Richards
March 13, 2007
Jonathan F. Richards, Film.com

Pretty much every important date in history...can be teased to fit the pattern. What can't be hammered out of this fixation, apparently, is a coherent movie. Full Review

Manohla Dargis
February 23, 2007
Manohla Dargis, New York Times

The Number 23 is an accidental comedy starring a deadly serious Jim Carrey.

Peter Howell
February 23, 2007
Peter Howell, Toronto Star

Julius Caesar was stabbed 23 times. Charles Manson was born Nov. 12 (11 + 12 = 23). The Mayans believed the world would end on Dec. 23, 2012 (20 + 1 + 2 = 23). My brother stole my pogo stick when I wa... Full Review

Mick LaSalle
February 23, 2007
Mick LaSalle, San Francisco Chronicle

Carrey owns this movie. He's in virtually every scene, and there's no taking one's eyes from him. Full Review

Lisa Rose
February 23, 2007
Lisa Rose, Newark Star-Ledger

Pages turn, knives plunge, rain patters and the camera rarely holds steady. No amount of quick cuts and twitchy shots, however, can compensate for the lack of narrative momentum. Full Review

Kyle Smith
February 23, 2007
Kyle Smith, New York Post

The main test of a twisty thriller is, would you watch it again? You won't, because the solution turns out to be both uncomplicated and cliché. Full Review

Jack Mathews
February 23, 2007
Jack Mathews, New York Daily News

Though students of formulaic screenwriting may figure this mystery out long before Walter does, there won't be much satisfaction in it because it is totally preposterous.

Bruce Westbrook
February 23, 2007
Bruce Westbrook, Houston Chronicle

How do we loathe thee, The Number 23? Let us count the ways. Full Review

Rick Groen
February 23, 2007
Rick Groen, Globe and Mail

If nothing else -- and, trust me, there ain't much else -- the title has a satisfying ring of candour. Yep, The Number 23 is all about the number 23. Full Review

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

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The Number 23 Trivia

  • Walter Sparrow twists his once idyllic life into an inferno of psychological torture that could possibly lead to his death as well as the deaths of his loved ones. Spurred on by a mysterious novel. What is the name of this Novel, Also the name of this Movie?  Answer »
  • What was the exact date that Jim Carrey's film "The Number 23" opened on?  Answer »
  • What movie has the tag line :First it takes hold of your mind ....then it takes hold of your life....?  Answer »
  • What does Walter Sparrow become obssessed within the film The Number 23 ?  Answer »
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