What happens when you stop saying “no” and start saying “yes” to everything? Yes Man (2008) explores that question in hilarious and heartfelt ways, with Jim Carrey taking on the role of Carl Allen — a man whose life gets turned upside down after embracing the power of positivity. From wild adventures to spontaneous romance, this comedy is a celebration of risk, change, and a whole lot of yes.
Think you remember all of Carl’s quirky choices and offbeat adventures? Take our 10-question trivia challenge and prove you’re a true Yes Man superfan — no excuses!
Yes Man Trivia Questions & Answers
1) Who plays the main character Carl Allen in Yes Man (2008)?
Correct Answer: Jim Carrey
Jim Carrey stars as Carl Allen, a man stuck in a rut who avoids life by saying “no” to everything. With his signature physical comedy and expressive face, Carrey brings charm and energy to the role, reminding audiences of his range in both comedic and heartfelt moments.
2) What is Carl’s job at the beginning of the film?
Correct Answer: Loan officer
Carl works as a loan officer at a bank, where he routinely denies people’s requests for loans. His job reflects his closed-off and risk-averse nature — until his “yes” transformation turns him into the most generous loan officer imaginable.
3) What life-changing decision does Carl make?
Correct Answer: To say “yes” to everything
The heart of the film is Carl’s commitment to saying “yes” to every opportunity, no matter how strange or uncomfortable. This leads him on a path of personal growth, weird situations, and ultimately a more fulfilling life — though not without consequences.
4) Which actress plays Carl’s love interest, Allison?
Correct Answer: Zooey Deschanel
Zooey Deschanel plays Allison, an eccentric, creative woman who leads a photography jogging club and performs in a quirky band. Her free-spirited personality complements Carl’s emerging spontaneity, and their romance becomes one of the film’s most endearing elements.
5) What kind of event inspires Carl to change his life?
Correct Answer: A self-help seminar
Carl attends a seminar led by a charismatic guru (played by Terence Stamp), who convinces him to adopt a radical “yes to everything” philosophy. The seminar marks the beginning of Carl’s transformation and sets the tone for the rest of the film’s zany experiences.
6) What does Carl learn to do after saying yes to guitar lessons?
Correct Answer: Play “Jumper” by Third Eye Blind
Carl surprises everyone by busting out “Jumper” during a suicide intervention. The moment is both funny and sincere, showing how a silly choice to take guitar lessons becomes unexpectedly meaningful — and saves a life.
7) What unusual activity does Allison lead that Carl joins?
Correct Answer: Jogging photography group
Allison invites Carl to join her jogging photography club, where members run and take spontaneous photos along the way. It’s weird, creative, and perfectly suited to Allison’s eccentric personality. Carl’s willingness to join marks another step toward opening up.
8) What language does Carl suddenly start learning after saying yes?
Correct Answer: Korean
Carl agrees to learn Korean and quickly becomes conversational. This pays off in surprising ways — like impressing Allison’s ex-boyfriend’s grandmother and getting out of trouble with the FBI. It’s a running joke that shows how saying “yes” can yield unexpected skills.
9) Why does Carl get detained by the FBI?
Correct Answer: They think he’s involved in terrorism
Carl’s new “yes” lifestyle — including buying plane tickets to random places, taking flying lessons, and learning Korean — causes the FBI to view him as a suspicious individual. This hilarious misunderstanding plays on post-9/11 paranoia and adds a clever twist to the plot.
10) What is the message Carl learns by the end of the film?
Correct Answer: Saying yes is powerful, but balance is key
Ultimately, Carl learns that saying “yes” can open doors and enrich life, but blindly agreeing to everything isn’t the answer. The film promotes mindful openness — embracing new opportunities without losing the ability to choose wisely.
