The Invention Of Lying (Ricky Gervais) : Movie Review

WHATS IT ABOUT
Everyone’s favourite awkward tubby TV friend, Ricky Gervais, heads back to the big screen with his second leading role (after Ghost Town) and first as writer / director (ahead of the Gervais / Merchant flick Cemetary Junction) with The Invention Of Lying.

It’s a pretty promising set-up, with the events of the flick taking place in an alternate reality where lying – even the concept of a lie – does not even exist.

But when a “down on his luck” loser named Mark (Gervais) suddenly develops the ability to lie, he finds that dishonestly has its rewards.

The Invention Of Lying

WHATS THE BUZZ
Despite an almost fool proof premise, amazing cast (with every single scene including a major comedy cameo of some description) and the creator of one of the great sitcoms (The Office) of all time at the helm… The Invention Of Lying is actually pretty lacklustre.

Gervais has been pushing his “Drama IS Comedy” schtick since the first series of Extras and box office results have been quick to point out that, while a good idea in theory, at the end of the day “COMEDY is Comedy”.

Don’t get me wrong, I am one of Gervais’ biggest fans, which probably explains why The Invention Of Lying disappointed me so much.

There are a few scenes which deliver the goods (a very Life Of Brian-esque moment in which Gervais invents religion), but most of the time you’ll just be hoping for Gervais to snap out of being glum and self righteous… and just let the comedy come naturally.

WATCH OUT FOR
A cameo by Stephen Merchant and “Barry From Eastenders” – the only genuine example of a laugh-out-loud moment (as was the case with most of Extras) in the entire film.

RATING: 2.5/5