w00f:

In a parallel universe in which mankind has never evolved the ability to dissemble, a man in peril finds himself the only one capable of doing so. Because nobody can lie, nobody can conceive that others can do so, either. Ricky Gervais delivers a sometimes brilliant film that examines the role of deceit in our lives for the good or the bad. As his character applies his new-found ability to everything from getting money to artistic license to the invention of religion, we're forced to think about all the ways in which distorting the truth both harms and benefits us. The film's biggest flaw is that it reaches a crescendo too early when Gervais concocts religion to give hope to his dying mother, transforming him into a prophet who isn't quite up to the task of keeping his lies consistent. After that, the rest of the film focuses on his efforts to get the girl, as it were, and so seems rather tame in comparison. Replete with laugh-out-loud and deeply touching moments, "The Invention of Lying" is still a strong and intelligent film that deserves to be seen. One can only wonder, however, when the backlash against it will come from religious quarters.

tntbaker1:

My actual rating is probably 2.5 stars. This movie has an interesting initial plot but that only gets you through about the first 30 minutes. Maybe I am just an optimist but I would think that you would run across at least one decent/happy person in your life. Everyone the main character encounters is rude and hateful. While I do think this would be true to some extent, I do not think every person would be the same. There are no exceptions in this movie. There are a few chuckle moments through the movie. Mostly depressing and a bit hard to get through. Cannot recommend a viewing/rental.

rmgebhardt:

First, the good parts: The religious commentary I found very funny. The cameos were great. Gervais, as usual, can do no wrong by me. There was some definitely some funny moments throughout. However, now the bads... for a high concept movie, they did a terrible job of world building around the concept. It was very superficially done. And the movie felt like two distinct halves. I'd go with a 3.5 rating if I could.

Jeremy Thomas:

Ricky Gervais's new film is not as funny as Ghost Town, his last starring role. However, this is not to say it doesn't have its charm. Featuring a intriguing if uneven script from Gervais and Matthew Robinson and some stellar performances from the cast, the movie is less funny than you might expect but more poignant as well. Gervais holds up very well as the everyman in the main role and despite some occasional detours that don't always work, the movie on the whole succeeds and makes one hope the actor's next role pushes him even further into the spotlight.

An Exit Worth Taking:

This movie has its charm and as always Ricky Gervais is endearing and funny, but the initial humor (that of people being completely honest) starts to grind on you towards the end...

late nights:

Witty and entertaining, Gotta Love Ricky Gervais! Jennifer Garner comes off alittle stepford wifey but they are a good match here. A different take on the subject of the "man in the sky" If you like the actors in this film, you will enjoy it. A feel good movie, not necessarily thought provoking but sweet and smooth.

Supercords:

Really sharp and funny at times. It?s certainly a Ricky Gervais film, which means loads of dark, uncomfortable humor. The concept itself isn?t very original, except to the extreme extent that it is taken. It?s like "Yes Man", but with the whole world. Also, you don?t have to suffer through another terrible Jim Carrey performance. The extras on the Blu-Ray are a mixed bag. Rating: C+

JG 1707283:

This review is about the disc - it has about 8 or 9 previews that you cannot skip past - I hate that so I sent the movie back without watching it.