The Cable Guy

Critical reception was not good for this black comedy that marked a departure for human cartoon Jim Carrey. His Cable Guy (we never do learn his real name) is a creepy sociopath who very quickly wears out his welcome as he insinuates himself into the life of hapless Matthew Broderick. "I can be your best friend or your worst enemy," he warns. The film is funniest when it hits its satirical mark. Director Ben Stiller has the best bit as a former child star accused of murdering his brother. His trial (and the inevitable made-for-TV movie starring Eric Roberts) brilliantly sends up our media-saturated tabloid culture. Still, people can wait to see this one on cable. (K. Lee Benson)