How long is the invention of lying movie

Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis.

You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update. Although the movie is all about introducing the concept of lying to the world, the end take-away is that the world can be a bleak place if you don't have faith in yourself and in the future.

The movie also makes the point that it isn't necessary to say everything you think -- that there are times when telling the truth can be hurtful and unkind. A relationship based on outward appearances and superficial qualities ultimately proves to be unsatisfying and demeaning. At a crucial point in the story, he faces a dilemma and must choose between an easy lie or a difficult truth. The kind-hearted leading lady learns to value more than good looks and outward charm.

A law enforcement officer roughly pulls a driver out of a car. Some boys pick on an overweight child and push an ice cream cone in his face. Other than a brief kiss, there's no visual sexual activity, but the characters talk about it often "I'm not going to sleep with him," "touch boobies," "have sex with them," "it arouses me" , and there are a number of references to masturbation.

A coupon is presented for "birthday sex," a sign advertising a motel reads: "A cheap hotel for intercourse with a stranger," the main character tests out the idea of lying by propositioning a beautiful woman, etc. Occasional obscenities and use of derogatory terms, including: "f--k," "s--t," "manbitch," "crap," "prick," "boobies," "bastard," "faggot," "queer," and "douchebag. Coca Cola and Pepsi Cola advertisements are parodied in several sequences. Alcoholic beverages are consumed in many scenes: wine, champagne, whiskey.

Beer drinking is particularly pervasive. In some sequences, drinking is used to self-medicate for depression and hopelessness. Two characters are shown getting drunk in a bar; one then drives a car unsteadily, weaving across the road for comic effect.

One character declares that he's spent the night "throwing up pain killers," while another refers to his own "cocaine habit. Parents need to know that The Invention of Lying is, like most of star Ricky Gervais ' humor, irreverent and edgy though also thought provoking. Nothing is sacred -- including religion in the movie, the concept of God, aka "The Man in the Sky," is one of the lies that the main character invents. There's no sex on screen, but there's lots of talk about it -- including masturbation references, propositions, use of words like "boobies," etc.

Expect a fair bit of salty language, from name-calling "prick," "bastard," "faggot," "manbitch" to infrequent use of "f--k" and "s--t. Lots of commercial products are shown on screen, with some showing up in scene after scene.

Add your rating See all 21 parent reviews. Add your rating See all 20 kid reviews. There's not even a word for the concepts of truth or falsehood which can only be described with difficulty as "things that aren't".

After a down-on-his-luck, lovesick, and decidedly common Mark Bellison Gervais accidentally tells the first lie ever, nothing is the same. It's a small lie, but it gets Mark out of a bind. The implication isn't lost on him: Truth definitely has its limitations. Bigger lies mostly to help friends and loved ones cope with life's fears, indignities, and pain lead Mark to fame, fortune, and a budding but ambivalent relationship with the woman of his dreams Jennifer Garner.

But to his dismay, things eventually spiral out of control as his escalating fabrications turn him into a prophet for a changed world. This is a movie that may turn out to be richer and more fun with each viewing. Amid the clever, witty dialogue, funny situations, and sneakily amusing riffs on some of our most treasured icons moviemaking, advertising, the good-looking guy , it's surprising to realize that The Invention of Lying isn't just another "one joke" comedy.

Gervais and Robinson had more in mind: They tackled some pretty heady concepts death, faith, religion, and more while using a very gentle hand -- along with the humor -- to make their points The movie includes many delightful, unexpected cameo appearances watch for Ed Norton behind aviator sunglasses , and the supporting actors including Jonah Hill, Jeffrey Tambor , Tina Fey , and Rob Lowe are all very funny, though not much is demanded of them beyond playing one-dimensional caricatures that serve the leads.

Gervais, as expected, is terrific as the Everyman, and Garner is very impressive as a comedienne. Their scenes together are wonderful examples of good timing, good chemistry, and two people having great fun.

Families can talk about how the movie uses laughter to address some important ideas. Did it make you think in new ways about concepts like honesty, lying, and faith? Everyone, even politicians and advertisers, speaks the truth and nothing but the truth. But when a loser named Mark Gervais discovers lying, he finds that dishonesty has its rewards. This video is currently unavailable to watch in your location. By clicking play, you agree to our Terms of Use. Share Share. Mark and Anna agree.

You see how it goes. Mark lives in a typical little city with bland people and no anger. Everyone always believes everyone else. I wonder if politics are even possible. We see this isn't an ideal situation. There are no consolations. Nothing eases the way. Mark is a nice man, in that sneaky-smooth Gervais way, and would like to console his mother Fionnula Flanagan , who is dying in a Sad Place Where Old People, etc.

One day he undergoes an astonishing revelation. She hands him the money and apologizes for the bank's computer. He can lie! His world lacks even a word for this. Nor does it have the word truth. Something is either "so," or "not so.

Of course she, and everyone else, believes him. The word races around the world, and people beg for more details. Anna tells him how happy he could make everyone. Then, in one of the funniest satirical scenes I can remember, Mark stands on his front steps and informs the world there is a Man in the Sky, and they will be happy up there with him after death.

The world is ecstatic. This Man, Mark explains, is responsible for everything. Yes, that too, but Mark asks his audience not to get bogged down in the details.