6.1 | / 10 |
Users | 4.0 | |
Reviewer | 2.5 | |
Overall | 3.2 |
In an alternate reality, lying -- even the concept of a lie -- does not even exist. Everyone -- from politicians to advertisers to the man and woman on the street -- speaks the truth and nothing but the truth with no thought of the consequences. But when a down-on-his-luck loser named Mark suddenly develops the ability to lie, he finds that dishonesty has its rewards. In a world where every word is assumed to be the absolute truth, Mark easily lies his way to fame and fortune. But lies have a way of spreading, and Mark begins to realize that things are getting a little out of control when some of his tallest tales are being taken as, well, gospel. With the entire world now hanging on his every word, there is only one thing Mark has not been able to lie his way into the heart of the woman he loves.
Starring: Ricky Gervais, Jennifer Garner, Jonah Hill, Rob Lowe, Tina FeyComedy | 100% |
Dark humor | 20% |
Video codec: VC-1
Video resolution: 1080p
Aspect ratio: 1.78:1
Original aspect ratio: 1.85:1
English: Dolby TrueHD 5.1
English: Dolby Digital 5.1
French: Dolby Digital 5.1
Spanish: Dolby Digital 5.1
English SDH, French, Spanish
25GB Blu-ray Disc
Single disc (1 BD)
Digital copy (on disc)
Slipcover in original pressing
Region free
Movie | 2.5 | |
Video | 3.5 | |
Audio | 3.5 | |
Extras | 1.5 | |
Overall | 2.5 |
Brace yourself, dear readers. It's impossible to discuss The Invention of Lying without discussing religion. Though Ricky Gervais and Matthew Robinson's first feature film has been cleverly billed as a lighthearted romantic comedy -- ironically with one of the most deceitful, intentionally misleading ad campaigns I've seen -- it aims its guns much higher. Much higher. The Invention of Lying is about the invention of God, the evils of religion and the woes of blind faith; a thinly veiled satire that rehashes a centuries-old argument without offering anything of intellectual or satirical merit. It mocks belief without attempting to paint a fittingly skewed picture; without ever dissecting its nuances or motivations. It takes pot shots without really examining much of anything it sets in its sights. Worse, it inadvertently undermines the very nature of love and the essence of compassion without batting an eye. No, there aren't a handful of scenes wherein an unassuming fellow is mistaken for the Almighty (ŕ la The Life of Brian), and no, it isn't merely a secondary subplot sensitive viewers have blown out of proportion. Despite what its trailers might suggest, faith and its purported ills are the central focus. Gervais has said as much in interviews. Be that as it may, the film amounts to little more than a cold, surprisingly preachy, at-times humorless romcom that, in its arrogant pursuit of what it considers a cheeky fight, drowns in the same philosophy it seems so desperate to advance.
Blessed are the liars. Apparently they're best equipped to inherent Mark Bellison's Earth...
The Invention of Lying descends with an unremarkable, unexpectedly unattractive 1080p/VC-1 transfer that, despite its low-key visuals and limited depth, nevertheless appears to be fairly faithful to its exceedingly flat source. Color vibrancy is adequate and skintones remain natural throughout, but inconsistent detailing and dull contrast conceive some rather two-dimensional offspring. Likewise, blacks are well-resolved and closeups exhibit many of the qualities of a decent high definition presentation, but soupy textures and mushy grain left me wondering if DNR was rearing its ugly head. Thankfully, Warner's technical transfer is quite proficient -- artifacting, banding, aliasing, crush, unintentional noise, and other unsightly unmentionables are nowhere to be found -- and clarity is satisfying enough to warrant the above average score I'm preparing to award it. Edge enhancement is apparent throughout and several faint halos haunt a number of wide shots, but it never becomes a significant distraction. With an aesthetic reminiscent of Disney's Extract, it's difficult to tell whether Warner's presentation or Gervais and Robinson's bland photography is to blame for the film's underwhelming appearance. While I suspect the latter, I would suggest viewers prepare themselves accordingly.
Although The Invention of Lying's dreary Dolby TrueHD 5.1 surround track suffers the same fate, its original mix has little to offer listeners aside from conventional conversations, Tim Atack's nimble musical score, and a variety of unassuming sound effects. Dialogue, though subdued at times, is crisp and intelligible from beginning to end. LFE support, while restrained, manages to lend weight and presence to voices and a handful of songs that play during the film's montages. Rear speaker activity takes the biggest hit -- a packed conference room, a congested front lawn, several bustling restaurants, and a crowded church provide the soundfield with a few minor standout sequences -- but interior acoustics and ambience are fairly consistent (albeit entirely forgettable). Ah well, to the track's credit, pans are transparent, dynamics are decent, and directionality is relatively accurate. Some more power would have been nice, but the studio has done a fine job reproducing the limited source it's been handed. Fans of the film will be pleased, even if the experience isn't a distinguished one.
Sadly, The Invention of Lying hobbles onto Blu-ray with the same erratic, haphazard supplemental package as its DVD counterpart. The particulars of the production remain a mystery, legitimate behind-the-scenes material is practically non-existent, and a much-need commentary is nowhere to be found. It doesn't help that all of the video content is presented in standard definition.
Proponents and opponents can debate The Invention of Lying's controversial message till they're Blu in the face, but they'll be wasting their breath. Whether you place your faith in God or Nothingness, it's incredibly difficult to enjoy Gervais and Robinson's film simply because it's a flawed, hit-or-miss romcom populated by unlikable characters who mill about their some rather aimless existences. The Blu-ray edition isn't much better. With an underwhelming AV presentation and a minimalistic supplemental package, it isn't the sort of release that will garner any attention beyond the film itself. I'm sure The Invention of Lying will find a faithful fanbase, but I imagine most of its disciples will embrace it for its message rather than its humor or cinematic value. If it still sounds appealing, hedge your bets and stick with a rental.
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