THE INVENTION OF LYING (2009)

Directed By: Ricky Gervais
Written By: Ricky Gervais & Matthew Robinson
Cinematography By: Tim Suhrstedt
Editor: Chris Gill

Cast: Ricky Gervais, Jennifer Garner, Rob Lowe, Jonah Hill, Tina Fey, Louis C.K., Jason Bateman, Stephanie March, Christopher Guest, Jeffrey Tambor, Fionnula Flannigan, Nathan Corddry, Jimmi Simpson, John Hodgman, Ruben Santiago-Hudson, Martin Starr, Stephen Merchant

The title really tells it all. It sounds like a premise that can go anywhere. When the film starts out, it feels like a one joke premise that would have been more well suited for a sketch then a movie, but as the film goes on it draws you ion by making the characters and situations interesting and compelling. Though it's subtley absurdist, Judging by the level of talent the film should be funnier but it seems everyone is tied to the script and situations with no room to impprov. So the film comes off more as o.k.

The film feels quaint and gentlemanly. The film could have been more broad. though i like the fact that the film is intelligent and the character is smart and not outrageous and ridiculous.

The premise is in a world where everyone tells the truth and exactly what is on their mind a man down on his luck suddenly creates lying and uses it to his advantage along the way he finds love, friends and himself, but also sees the responsibility it carries and how it affects some for the worse.

The film is a work of ideas and smart writing but strangely comes off as very light weight and bland. It has a snarky mean spirited side, but also alot of heart. Which is surprsing, but welcome. It is a surprise especially when it seems the films is more about being romantic then being funny. Which reminded me of Gervais' previous film GHOST TOWN, Which he didn't write or direct. Here he does both (Co-Write) as well as star.

I guess i was expecting more uncomfortable humor like his television shows EXTRAS and THE OFFICE (u.k.) This film does show his range and is willing to do what he has to, to make a intriguing character.

The film was attacked for being anti-religious. Which i think is wrong it introduces a idea that looks like it was made up by him, but never says things like there is no god. Then again what do you expect from a man who is a known atheiest.

I liked that the film showed what can happen in a group mentality and how they can change once a new element is introduced. it feels like a movie that is more akin with the work of director Mike Judge (Idiocracy) but a little more open. or a woody allen filmn which it has the feel and prestiege of with a early woody premise, but later woody writing. Like it was outlined inj the 70's but written later in the new millenium.

It's not a bad film, but i felt it could have been way better. there was so many ways it could have gone and he had plenty of elements to make the film extraordinary. we will just have to chuck it up to rookie mistakes.

The film is a satisfying rental that you could wait for on cable.

GRADE: C+