The Invention of Lying [Blu-ray]
The Invention of Lying [Blu-ray]
Studio: Warner Home Video Release Date: 01/19/2010It’s official: Ricky Gervais is a genius. He may not have cured cancer or discovered a new branch of mathematics, but having created The Office, Extras, and now The Invention of Lying has secured him a place in the history of comedy. The Invention of Lying imagines a world in which everyone unfailingly tells the truth; they don’t even know what fiction is. Every thought, however humiliating or harsh, tumbles out unvarnished. Then one day, a desperate unemployed writer named Mark (Gervais) concocts a lie–and in a world where everyone is unfailingly honest, a lie is believed with total and absolute gullibility. Mark can get anything he wants…but the one thing he truly wants is the love of a girl named Anna (Jennifer Garner, Alias, Juno), and she’s the one person he can’t bring himself to lie to.
The Invention of Lying balances a brilliant overall idea with inspired comic bits and deft cameo turns by a star-studded cast (among the many famous faces in bit roles are Philip Seymour Hoffman, Edward Norton, Jason Bateman, Christopher Guest, Tina Fey, Jeffrey Tambor, and more). The second half of the movie, which follows Mark’s romantic pursuit of Anna, isn’t quite as marvelous as the gradual unfolding of the situation and Mark’s grappling with his strange new ability, but that doesn’t keep the movie from being a unique and dazzling comedy. Simply not to be missed. Also featuring comedian Louis C.K., Rob Lowe, and Jonah Hill. –Bret Fetzer
User Ratings and Reviews
5 Stars One of the funniest films of the year
This is the first film I’ve seen Ricky Gervais in, though I had seen a few episodes of the original The Office. He’s as brilliant in this film as ever, and the movie is filled with both laughs and wide emotional swings as well.
I can’t remember the last time a movie made me think, brought tears to my eyes, and made me laugh from end to end, all at the same time. It’s a real roller coaster as comedies go, and one of the rare times you’ll feel like you got more than your money’s worth at the theater.
Gervais and Garner have unusual chemistry, and you’ll wonder what a woman like her sees in him looks-wise; but in the mixed-up rules of this alternate reality, it’s excusable. All the supporting roles work — especially Jonah Hill and Tina Fey — and the ending satisfies.
The only folks I’ve seen who didn’t like this film were those who are both extremely religious and very proudly ignorant, at the same time. Part of the film has a parody of modern religion in it that’s very on-point, and some people are threatened by this. You would think that those with such strong beliefs would be indifferent to a simple comedy, but apparently some world views are more fragile than others. I can only advise you to not put too much stock in reviews that consist of “I walked out halfway through the film!” As the saying goes, follow those who seek enlightenment, but run away from those who claim to have found it.
1 Stars we get it, you’re an atheist
Ricky Gervais is a gifted actor. He always makes me laugh. However, this movie is a thinly veiled medium to convey his atheist “beliefs”. It made me lose a lot of respect for him. The movie was funny at times, I will give it that. However. the overarching theme is that the “man in the sky” does not exist. That “man” is God, Ricky, and He certainly does exist. You will find out for yourself the hard way unless you come to your senses before it’s too late!
Like L. Ledbetter, I feel this movie is COMPLETELY OFFENSIVE and I would give it zero stars but that’s not an option.
1 Stars Even though I read other reviews, I thought would feel differently
I liked Gervais in “Ghost Town,” so I knew I would like him in this one. Oh my gosh! I can’t stomach it, and I can’t get myself to watch the rest of the movie. I know where it is heading and that is exactly where some of those who gave it negative reviews said, anti-Christianity (i.e. God is a lie). I just can’t do it. Nothing is worth that. It was beginning to feel as though it was mocking me and my beliefs. If you’re wondering still, read some of the postings from other reviewers who gave the movie one star. They are right.
1 Stars Extremely Disappointing
Although I’ve always liked Ricky Gervais, I was extremely disappointed with this one. Although it was somewhat entertaining at times, I found the concept of God and heaven being “a lie”, soley created by an individual, offensive. I believe in freedom of speech and everyone is entitled to their own opinion - but if I had known what this movie was about, I wouldn’t have wasted my time watching it. I don’t recommend this one. And, based on freedom of speech, I’d like to say … shame on you Ricky.
1 Stars Completely offensive
I only gave this one star because there is no option to give it zero stars. I was thoroughly disgusted with this movie. I was actually looking forward to this movie as I really enjoyed Gervais in Ghost town and Night at the Museum, and I love Jennifer Garner. Wow, what a total disappointment! I have never been so offended by a movie before. Completely disguised as a romantic comedy, this movie was a complete promotion of atheism and was totally anti-God, anti-religion and anti-Christianity. If you are a Christian, you will no doubt be as utterly offended by this movie as I am.
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