The Invention of Lying

I recently watched the Invention of Lying. I had high expectations when I saw that the cast included Ricky Gervais, Phillip Seymor Hoffman, Tina Fey, Justin Bateman, and Jeffrey Tambor. The movie takes place in a world where everyone always tells the truth. They express their fears, opinions, and insecurities openly. As you can imagine, you can have a field day with this premise in a comedy. At one point in the movie the main character discovers lying and we see how it empowers him in a world where trusting people believe everything he says.

This movie is a commentary on human nature. It had a drab feel to it like the Truman Show and most of the characters were pretty depressing. Despite several funny parts, I felt it was lacking something. I didn't buy Jennifer Garner's character or understand why the main character cared for such a shallow person who didn't recriprocate in their relationship.

The movie has some crude jokes, but I think people will be more offended by the way religion is portrayed in the movie. I felt a little disappointed that Gervais used the movie to mock religion. Maybe it's just because I am one of those gullible people who believe in "the man in the sky". I try not to take offense or get worked up over it since it's just a movie, but now I know how atheists feel when they complain about a Christian theme they weren't expecting in a movie.

I really liked the idea behind The Invention of Lying, and the performers were all good, but it could have been much funnier. I wanted it to be a better movie and I wish I could give it more than 6.4 stars.