Truth As Novelty: I have to admit that I generally don't like Jim Carrey
but I thoroughly enjoyed "Liar, Liar". I don't think the Bar
Association will appreciate his portrayal of lawyers as "ethically
challenged," but Carrey makes his hotshot attorney, Reede, a believable
cad. He lies to his secretary, his boss, his clients, his Mom, and even
to his five year-old son, Max, adorably played by Justin Cooper. But Max
turns the tables by wishing that his Dad couldn't lie for one day. And
it comes true, as those of us who have been bombarded by the commercials
know. Thankfully, not all the funny stuff got packed into the commercials,
so you do have plenty to look forward to. I'm a little concerned about
the concept of truth being packaged as a novelty; have we all drifted so
far?
Tom Shadyac, who also helmed "Ace Ventura: Pet Detective" and
"Nutty Professor", directs, and he is able to keep Carrey at least
partially under control. Sure, there are those scenes - for example when
he wrestles with a blue pen - that are bound to please Carrey's legion of
fans. But there is also a moving realization that Carrey is a bad father
and about to lose the son he loves so much. There is never anything predictable
about a Carrey film (except that it will make a whole lot of money), but
the pattern of the movie will become apparent when I tell you that Brian
Grazer is the producer. He was also behind "Ransom", "Kindergarten
Cop", and "Parenthood". I hope that doesn't give you too
many clues as to what path the film will follow.
No review of "Liar, Liar" would be complete without mentioning
Jennifer Tilly's breasts. Her outfits shrink throughout the film until you
are certain she will spill out on to the screen at any moment (she doesn't).
She is perfect as the conniving client represented by Carrey. Maura Tierney
is a rising star, and you will want to keep any eye on her performance as
Max's Mom. She is currently working on TV's "NewsRadio" and wrapped
production on Bruce Willis' "The Broadway Brawler". She will
also be in the much-hyped "Primary Colors" with John Travolta
and Emma Thompson. I'm happy to see my old favorite Swoosie Kurtz as the
opposition attorney. And don't get up when the credits roll because there
are some great outtakes, and the last is Swoosie's right-on assessment of
Carrey's acting. I couldn't have said it better. Rated PG-13. Universal.
Copyright 1994-2008 Film Scouts LLC
Created, produced, and published by Film Scouts LLC
Film Scouts® is a registered trademark of Film Scouts LLC
All rights reserved.
