Movie Review: The Invention of Lying.

Lying is a funny thing, and so is truth. I could say The Invention of Lying is the funniest film of the year. But alas, that would a lie. The new film by British comedian Ricky Gervais deals with a parallel universe in which no one has ever told a lie. Not only that, but humans are incapable of lying. So, everyone tells the truth all the time. Then one day, a pudgy loser with a snub nose (as he's described in pretty much ever scene in the movie...we get it) discovers the invention of lying. So now that everyone excepts everything as the truth, they will believe anything this pudgy loser with a snub nose says.

That sounds like an awesome, original premise. Unfortunately, the film is bland, dull, not very funny, and pretty depressing. That being said, the film does have some funny moments. However they are mere chuckles, and most of which are found in the trailer. Also, the premise has plot holes: why are people honest about only uncomfertable, mean, and awkward things? If everyone tells the truth, shouldn't everyone be used to it? Because Gervais's character seems to be put down by anything anyone says to him.

Ricky Gervais is known for his UK sitcoms The Office and Extras, both, which I highly enjoy. However the film is more like Extras and less like The Office which isn't really a good thing. Extras is great, don't get me wrong, and even though it is funny, it can be insanely depressing as well (see the Christmas special). It seems like Mr. Gervais has taken the: this-guy's-life-sucks and look-at-these-crappy-situations-good-grief scenarios out of Extras and has left out the hilarity.

This is Mr. Gervais's directorial debut and that fact is very evident when looking at the film. There's hardly any color, the camera shots are bland, and everyone seems to be wearing these gray/brown colors that just depress your movie experience. Sure, some of these faults are due to the cinematography and costume design (or lack there of) but as a director, Gervais should be able to control the look of his movie. This would work...if it wasn't a comedy...Unless, this was the look he wanted and in that case, he's probably not the best director.

I hate ragging on the guy, I love his comedy, and I love him, but this is just a weak movie. They had so much going for it: a great concept, great comedic thinkers behind it, and an AMAZING cast, yet none of it is used to its potential. When I saw AMAZING cast, it's no exaggeration. Besides Ricky, we have the great comedian Louis C.K (check out his standup and specials), Tina Fey, Jeffery Tambour, Jennifer Garner, Rob Lowe, Jonah Hill, and cameos from comedic actors and serious actors like Jason Batmen, Phillip Seymour Hoffman, and Edward Norton. WE HAVE A MOVIE WITH CAPOTE AND THE HULK and yet they're all under played.

Overall, I DID get chuckles out of the film. It's not horrible. But they just use depressing situations and try to make them funny...but they're just not...Maybe rent it, maybe you'll enjoy it. Maybe I'm being too harsh, maybe I'm too cynical...but probably not.

Martin.