The Number 23
Animal control officer Walter Sparrow becomes obsessed with a novel that he believes was written about him, as more and more similarities between himself and his literary alter ego seem to arise.
Critics Sentiment
Walter becomes obsessed with the number 23 appearing everywhere
Walter finds the final chapter scribbled under room 23's wallpaper
The film crashes from its intriguing peak of Walter's growing obsession with the number 23 to its deeply unsatisfying climactic revelation in the hotel room, losing nearly 3 points as critics felt the amnesia twist betrayed the psychological thriller they had been enjoying.
The Number 23 starts strong with an intriguing premise and effective early scenes of Jim Carrey's character discovering disturbing parallels between his life and a mysterious book. However, critic sentiment steadily declines as the plot becomes increasingly convoluted and implausible, culminating in a widely criticized ending that reviewers felt abandoned the film's central concept in favor of a contrived amnesia twist. While praised for its visual style and Carrey's committed performance, the film ultimately disappointed critics who felt it squandered its promising setup.
Full cast
Jim Carrey
Walter Sparrow / Fingerling
Virginia Madsen
Agatha Sparrow / Fabrizia
Logan Lerman
Robin Sparrow
Danny Huston
Isaac French / Dr. Miles Phoenix
Lynn Collins
Suicide Blonde / Mrs. Dobkins / Young Fingerling's Mother
Rhona Mitra
Laura Tollins
Mark Pellegrino
Kyle Finch
Ed Lauter
Father Sebastian
David Stifel
Hotel Clerk
Corey Stoll
Sergeant Burns
Bud Cort
Dr. Sirius Leary
Michelle Arthur
Sybil
Paul Butcher
Young Fingerling / Young Walter
Troy Kotsur
Barnaby
Patricia Belcher
Dr. Alice Mortimer
Shannon Gayle
Lucinda
Bob Zmuda
Desk Clerk
Lesli Margherita
Attractive Coed
Tara Karsian
Box Company Clerk
Walter Soo Hoo
Chinese Restaurant Owner
Crew
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