Very disappointing...

Just what I expected

Brilliant and touching

I think this is a new genre that they're all sort of working their way through it and haven't got all the kinks worked out yet but it's a genre that works for me.

There's a virtuous message at the heart of "Liar Liar" (a yuppie lawyer learns the cost of putting career before child) that helps the movie achieve timelessness; and that's part of the reason this is still so watchable after twenty years. It's even one of those "cable movies" that tends to draw you in whenever it's on. But seriously, can you think of anyone other than Jim Carrey who could've carried this movie? Even back in mid-'90s Hollywood. Absolutely not, and most of the laughs come from just pulling the ripcord and watching him go. It's his anarchic style and manic energy that gives the dialogue its potency. The supporting cast is left to do the heavy lifting while Carrey owns the screen. And it's for the best. This is over-the-top in the best sense, and it remains highly watchable today.8/10

Unable to lie as a result of a birthday wish, a lawyer who has built his career on fibs discovers how hard it is to tell the truth all the time in this Jim Carrey comedy vehicle. The premise is fairly decent with the overarching question of whether it is possible to live without lying a little. One of the film's best scenes has Carrey insulting all the partners and senior members of his law firm simply by telling the truth as he sees it, which they mistake for practical joking (why else would anyone be so insolent?). Most of the film though does not capitalise on this agenda as Carrey constantly chews the scenery, making absurd noises and weird faces as he struggles to lie. In fact, the film's funniest bit comes in the end credits blooper reel as Swoosie Kurtz calls him an "overactor" - though there is also a fun part in which he tells his son that not only will his face not freeze if the wind changes, but in fact some people (Carrey) make living out of making funny faces! The film does not stack up particular well to repeat viewings though since much of the plot hinges on Carrey doing the unexpected, and beyond Carrey's facial antics, the father/son angle is just schmaltzy. There is also something uncomfortable in how the film wants us to cheer for Carrey getting an adulterous client off the hook and cheer for Carrey himself, who only ever seems like an obnoxious human being. The film does have several genuinely hilarious moments though in between Carrey's mugging though and it does highlight how much society is built on white lies, but 'Liar Liar' is really a Carrey showcase all the way.

Liar, Liar (1997): Dir: Tom Shadyac / Cast: Jim Carrey, Jennifer Tilly, Maura Tierney, Cary Elwes, Justin Cooper: A one joke comedy made completely out of cardboard. Title indicates an accusation made against the title character but the screenplays fails to be anything more than a sitcom. Jim Carrey plays a lawyer who is unable to lie after his son makes a particular birthday wish. He had promised to spend more time with his son but he often fails in keeping these promises. He misses his son's birthday after engaging in an affair. The whole idea of his inability to lie is never explained. It makes no sense that he cannot even write a lie. His next case is constructed totally out of lies. Jennifer Tilly is trying to gain custody of her child even due to a long list of affairs. Directed by Tom Shadyac who previously directed Carrey in the even worse Ace Ventura: Pet Detective. Carrey holds his own using much physical humour and a clever manner to his disposal in dealing with the court case. Tilly is in excellent form as Carrey literally makes her believe her own horseshit. Supporting roles are the usual flat cookie cutters such as Maura Tierney as his ex, and Cary Elwes as her potential new boyfriend. Justin Cooper plays his son who seems to have the amazing ability to create magic with birthday wishes. Good idea with a lot of physical humour but without payoff and that is no lie. Score: 5 / 10

In 1994, Jim Carrey broke out as Hollywood's favourite funny man in movies with Dumb & Dumber, The Mask and Ace Ventura. 1995 and 1996 saw him starring in the lesser like Ace Ventura sequel and The Cable Guy. 1997's Liar Liar made him show the world that he was still the real deal.This is one of Jim Carrey's best and funniest movies. He is over-the-top funny and also displays good acting. He plays hotshot lawyer, Fletcher Reede, who is the best liar in the business. His fibs help him score huge wins in court, while also distancing himself from his son (Cooper). When he misses his son's birthday party, his son makes a wish that he couldn't lie for one whole day and it actually comes true! He gets in trouble with everybody in the courtroom that day as well as everybody out because he depends so much on lying. Sole honesty makes his chances of winning a prestigious case impossible. He must also find a way to keep his ex-wife (Tierney) from taking their son with her boyfriend (Elwes) to Boston.The character of Fletcher is, like most of Carrey's characters, goofy and comical. When he gets cursed with honesty, he becomes extremely outrageous and Carrey's comedic brilliance really pours out. Every time he confesses to something, the entire truth rolls out as he struggles to keep it in and lie. I believe that sometimes wishes do come true. But not lying is too unrealistic. The movie's theme is not to go back on a promise and stick to the truth whenever possible. It is nice to see such a hilarious movie with such a nice moral.