Who doesn't like a little self-deprecating humor now and then? I did say "a little" right? The Invention of Lying was written by the film's star, Ricky Gervais, and there is a wide expanse of little pot shots at his weight, height, and other various features strewn all throughout the film. The interesting part is that these remarks are born out of the notion that nobody can tell a lie. My question is: sure people can't lie, but are they allowed to use a modicum of candor when speaking to or about people?

The main issue I had with this movie is that it seems to confuse "telling the truth" with "acrimonious scrutinizing." If a person is less than perfect, being honest doesn't necessarily force one to verbalize it, putting each individual imperfection on display. The movie asserts that people must always speak the truth and thus put forth their unsolicited opinions fairly regularly.

What the film gets right, however, is the same thing it gets wrong. The brutally honest comments, retorts, and admissions are the driving force behind the comedy, and it works (to an extent). Uncomfortable moments, peppered with even more uncomfortable dialogue, is Gervais' specialty, and it is the foundation, support beam, and roof of this film's structure. Like Gaylord Focker in Meet The Parents,we're treated to a heaping dose of schadenfreude at the expense of the protagonist, only to have things turn in their favor. Unlike Focker, things turn around early for this film's liar, liar, only to have his hubris turned on him, causing him to be humbled once again

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The Invention of Lying has a cast that works well together and a collection of cameo appearances that might surprise some. The one flaw with the cast is that some of the more talented and funny actors, such as Jonah Hill, Jeffrey Tambor, and Tina Fey, are relegated into the background in order to dedicate an inordinate amount of time to the Jennifer Garner, romantic subplot. Now, Garner held her own opposite Gervais, who is a comedic master. She nailed her role, her lines, and her facial expressions. I was enamoured with her and her on-screen persona, but I still could've done with a smidge less of her in the movie.

Had they played this differently, it might not have been remotely funny, and luckily it is funny in a remote way. It has Gervais' trademark style of comedy stamped all over it which is good, but it lacks the cohesion his other projects have. The most talented actors are M.I.A., the story struggles with what is the truth vs. simple cruelty, and the self-deprecating humor goes on for too long.

Probably worth renting some time down the line, but not a film you need to rush out and see. And that my friends is the truth.