Very funny one man show

Rating: 8/10 (11 February 2005)

** Here be spoilers, and that's the truth **
Recap: Fletcher Reede (Carrey) is a successful lawyer about to become partner at the law firm where he works. In his work he frequently lies and he cannot stop out of work either. He constantly lies to his former wife Audrey (Tierney) and son Max (Cooper). This leads to him constantly disappointing and hurting his son, and now Audrey plans to move with her new boyfriend Jerry (Elwes) out of town. But Max very much loves his father and at his birthday party, which Fletcher of course is absent from, he wishes that for one the day, his father cannot lie. His wish comes true. And this proves to be a tremendous problem for Fletcher. His new case is utterly depending on him being able to lie and manipulate, but he cannot do it. His entire world falls around him.
Comment: Even if there are many other good actors around, this basically is a one-man show. Carrey's show. His character's inability to lie puts him in bizarre situations where Carrey can use his entire range of vocal and gesture comic ability. And he does it well, very well. His co-actors find themselves in his shadow, even if their performances still are good. But they're not given as much space and time as Fletcher is, and by all means, in this movie this is as it should be. Carrey even outshines the story, though it is a mistake to overlook it completely. The story is the foundation for Carrey's character ability to act and helps with some nice witty and funny lines. And there are a fleck of seriousness in the development of the relationship between Fletcher and Max. However, the best parts might actually be after the movie ends. During the credits some outtakes are shown, and they're hilarious. Be patient, sit tight and enjoy them. All in all, a great comedy well worth to watch more than once.
8/10