The Cable Guy

    The Cable Guy
    1996

    Synopsis

    When recently single Steven moves into his new apartment, cable guy Chip comes to hook him up—and doesn't let go. Initially, Chip is just overzealous in his desire to be Steven's pal, but when Steven tries to end the 'friendship', Chip shows his dark side. He begins stalking Steven, who's left to fend for himself because no one else can believe Chip's capable of such behaviour.

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    Cast

    • Jim CarreyThe Cable Guy
    • Matthew BroderickSteven M. Kovacs
    • Leslie MannRobin Harris
    • Jack BlackRick
    • George SegalSteven's Father
    • Diane BakerSteven's Mother
    • Ben StillerSam Sweet / Stan Sweet
    • Eric RobertsEric Roberts
    • Janeane GarofaloMedieval Times Waitress
    • Andy DickMedieval Times Host

    Recommendations

    • 63

      Chicago Reader

      Ben Stiller directs Lou Holtz Jr.'s script with plenty of unsettling edge, and Carrey throws himself into his part as if it meant something.
    • 60

      Empire

      The mix of light comedy and really quite dark themes proved too much for many viewers, but this is worth a look for Broderick's performance and Carrey's obsessive touches.
    • 50

      Chicago Sun-Times

      As it is, the movie goes in one direction and the cable guy goes in another, and by the end we aren't really looking forward to seeing Jim Carrey reappear on the screen.
    • 50

      Newsweek

      It can't risk real pathos, or real horror, and still be a Jim Carrey movie, so the most it achieves is a kind of unsettling creepiness. Strange movie: Carrey is working his gifted butt off, and we're not allowed to laugh.
    • 50

      Rolling Stone

      Carrey knocks himself out trying to make The Cable Guy different, then neglects the quiet, telling moments that would make it real.
    • 50

      Time

      Aiming, perhaps, for a neat double helix of black humor and prankishness, they've ended up with a pretty ugly granny knot.
    • 50

      TV Guide Magazine

      In all, about a third of the film (most of it contained in three extended sequences) is audaciously funny and genuinely disturbing. The rest will sorely test the devotion of Carrey's fans.
    • 50

      Variety

      Carrey’s character lacks the empathy or poignance to command ongoing interest, and Broderick’s role strains one’s patience because he’s hopelessly dimwitted and slow to react in any way vaguely resembling human behavior.

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