The Invention Of Lying [Blu-Ray]

It's a shame that Ricky Gervais hasn't caught on with the movie going public yet. The Invention Of Lying is Gervais's second hilarious and intelligent comedy released in the last two years and, sadly, it's also his second bomb (oddly, even the critics turned on him this time). Fortunately, the pudgy British comedian earned enough good will through his legitimate classic TV series, The Office, and the impressive follow up, Extras, to be guaranteed a few more cracks at film success. Unfortunately, audiences just don't buy him as a romantic leading man (even though Matthew McConaughey has been inexplicably successful in the field for years). But I guess that's the price you pay for being talented rather than pretty in Hollywood. Gervais stars (as well as serving as a co-writer and director) in The Invention Of Lying as a pathetic sad sack in a world that is much like our own, except for the fact that humanity hasn't developed the ability to lie. Gervais soon invents lying and uses the skill to become a powerful figure in society. It's a hilarious concept that's so simple it's surprising that no one has thought of it before. Gervais and his writing/directing partner, Matthew Robinson, mine about as many laughs that could be gotten from the concept, as well as sneaking in some effective commentary about the importance of lying in love, society and ― in a surprising third act shift ― religion. It's simple, but works well thanks in no small part to the amazing all-star comedy cast that includes the likes of Louis CK, Jonah Hill, Jason Bateman, Jeffrey Tambor, Tina Fey, Jennifer Gardner, Christopher Guest, Philip Seymour Hoffman and more. The Invention Of Lying is a funny and sweet comedy that works well and should please anyone willing to give it a chance. Admittedly, Gervais isn't playing to his strengths with high concept comedies like this and Ghost Town, and should be focusing on the tragic realism that defines his TV work. Still, The Invention Of Lying's box office failure was undeserved and hopefully audiences will embrace it on DVD. The Blu-Ray release looks nice even though this isn't really the type of film that benefits from the format. The special features on the disc are sadly slim. There's no commentary and the featurette is forgettable, but a handful of deleted scenes and outtakes at least provide a few chuckles. Give this one a try. You might be pleasantly surprised.