A little overacting and a loose script make for huge fun

Rating: 8/10 (25 December 2004)

Liar, Liar is a simple plot: An absentee professional attorney dad can't spend enough time with his son, and risks losing him should his ex-wife move out of town with another man. Repeated scheduling conflicts and moral discrepancies force Jim Carrey's character to break promises to his young son. The son, in a birthday wish, requests 24 hours during which his father cannot lie. The movie follows the attorney's path as he attempts, usually unsuccessfully, to navigate adult life and a legal career with perfect veracity.
While Carrey's acting is, at times, a tad overpowered for the script's objective - this is a wonderful and fun film. My kids love it, even with a hint of innuendo peppered throughout.
The final courtroom scene which vindicates Carrey and wins his case is so well done and performed that owning this movie is worth the price. The movie is huge fun, and one of Jim Carrey's best overall performances.
Casting is simply impeccable, including Anne Haney and Jason Bernard in late-career performances. Casting for Liar, Liar could not have been improved in any way, with Swoosie Kurtz and Jennifer Tilly turning in excellent characters. We watched this again Christmas night '04, and the family enjoyed it (again).