The sequel should involve a Politician Pappy...

Rating: 9/10 (8 August 2010)

I could fill two pages of quotes from Liar, Liar and only skim the surface on how incredibly funny it was. Yet, I wouldn't be doing the movie justice because it's not all about comedy, but heart, drama and growing.
A lot of movies try hard, they really do try their best to blend comedy and human drama and come up with the same conclusion when water meets oil. Director Shadyac picked the perfect crew, writer and actors to make us truly believe the heartbreak these characters go through.
Immediately labeled as a "liar" or lawyer, as teacher corrects student Max Reede (Cooper,) attorney (and Max's father) Fletcher Reede (Carrey) is close to the top of his firm and inching closer. Unfortunately for him, he's sacrificing the love he truly has for his son, whom he shares joint custody with his ex, Audrey (Tierney.) He doesn't just sacrifice, he's abolishing all hopes and dreams of the little one, even when Max, nor, oddly his mother, give up on him. In the main premise scene of the movie, Max make a birthday wish that for one day, Fletcher cannot tell a lie, strangely enough, the day starts at 8:15 PM.
Unfortunately, Fletcher has the biggest and Make-Partner case of his life defending Samantha Cole (Poker Goddess Jennifer Tilly with unusually short and blonde hair) when everyone knows she's slimy/guilty/slutty and the only way to get her "just rewards" in her own divorce case is for Fletcher to lie.
He needs a work around, when it's finally clear to him (THE PEN IS BLUE!) he cannot even fib. Serious comedy ensues when he juggles his anti-deception (apparently in any form), his son who might be leaving 3,000 miles with mom and new fiancé, the case, his boss & boss's boss and actually taking to heart what this really means.
A la Groundhog Day. Which, by the way, ranks slightly over this movie, but both are under the same fantasy realm in which a character must embark on unusual circumstances to, well, learn a lesson.
I hate to downgrade the movie to "Okay, fine, you have to like Jim Carrey to like this." I understand the world's divided with Carrey lovers/haters, Adam Sandler haters/lovers, etc, but I have spoken to multiple people that don't care for Carrey and still love this movie.
I'm thinking it has to do with the excellent acting all around, the deep humor and characters and also the heart that went into the story.
If you've seen the recent Toy Story 3, and you see that little girl in the finale sad she couldn't get the toywell, that's a cartoon (and well done, I might add.) I truly felt Max's heart shatter when his father lies to him or lets him down. At the same time, I honestly felt he never gave up, even though it was absolutely knocking him down. Simultaneously, I felt Fletcher grow and show true love for his son. You don't get these two characters in half the Dramas that come out.
And this is labeled as a comedy. It's freaking hilarious from moment one to Carrey actually making fun of his own career, concerning funny faces, to the outrageous finale that if you feel like you don't believe that could happen – remind yourself: the movie's based on a birthday wish that actually comes true.
Make sure you watch the deleted scenes, including the outtakes in the closing credits. Too bad this received a PG-13aside from a few minor words and sexual situations, this really is good for the whole family. SEE IT!