Big Fat Liar (2002)
Review by Dindrane
Film:
DVD:

Written by Dan Schneider
Directed by Shawn Levy
Starring Frankie Muniz, Amanda Bynes, and Paul Giamatti

Features:

• Production notes
  
• Theatrical trailers
  
• Deleted Scenes
  
• Commentary with Frankie Muniz and director Shawn Levy
  
• Making-Of Featurette
  
• Spyro Video Game Extras on DVD-ROM
  
• Interactive Backlot Adventure
  
• “Are You a Big Fat Liar?” Quiz
  
• Trivia Game
  

Rating: PG

Anamorphic: No.

My Advice: Rent it.

Big Fat Liar begins with Jason Shepherd, hard-luck hero and eighth-grader, who makes his way through life telling one lie after another, each more elaborate than the last. But this time, his homework was stolen for real—by a big-time Hollywood producer who is filming Jason’s creative writing essay as a movie. Trouble is, no one believes him, neither his dad nor his English teacher, landing him in summer school and losing him his father’s respect. It’s this disappointment of his father that makes Jason snap, sending him to LA with his female friend in search of the producer and revenge.

The characters are actually rather well done, given that this is a movie aimed at pre-teens and young teens. Frankie Muniz as Jason is endearing, even though morally questionable, and keeps the anti-lying propaganda of the movie from being too cloying. Amanda Bynes as Jason’s friend is adorable, but not empty-headed or precious—a good message for today’s kids without being stuffy and didactic.

The plot of Big Fat Liar is perhaps a bit simplistic, but it’s handled creatively enough and with enough panache that it doesn’t get boring, even if a bit predictable. Yes, it’s another “stupid adults vs. smart kids” movie in the tradition of Home Alone, but even Shakespeare recycled plots, people. I’m not saying Big Fat Liar is exactly cinema genius, but it’s entertaining enough and better than you’ll expect it to be. The first twenty minutes or so that set up Jason’s problems will probably irritate you with their predictable mistaken blame clichÈ, but after that, it’s all uphill.

Many of the gags are quite clever, such as the blue dye in the pool. Just don’t let your suspension of disbelief slip, or you’ll find yourself wondering where Wolf’s security guards are and miss the next gag. Long-time fans and foes of Hollywood’s machine will appreciate the many in-jokes, as well.

Some of the montage sequences are a bit longer than necessary, such as the frolicking in the studio prop room, but they’re all in good fun and end just as they’re starting to wear on you.

The extras are quite healthy and plentiful. There are DVD extras, as well as computer extras, and both sets are worthy. The deleted scenes are mostly pretty funny too, though of course some of the cuts were wisely done. The interactive games are fun, as is the trivia challenge. If you enjoyed the movie, basically, you’ll love the extras, and the commentary will actually aid your enjoyment of the movie, unlike some commentary tracks that seem pointless.

In all, Big Fat Liar is harmless, light fun that won’t tax your brain too much after a long day, but also won’t make you feel like you’ve actually gotten dumber by watching it. Kids will eat it up, and their parents, for once, won’t hate watching it with them.