There's a virtuous message at the heart of "Liar Liar" (a yuppie lawyer learns the cost of putting career before child) that helps the movie achieve timelessness; and that's part of the reason this is still so watchable after twenty years. It's even one of those "cable movies" that tends to draw you in whenever it's on. But seriously, can you think of anyone other than Jim Carrey who could've carried this movie? Even back in mid-'90s Hollywood. Absolutely not, and most of the laughs come from just pulling the ripcord and watching him go. It's his anarchic style and manic energy that gives the dialogue its potency. The supporting cast is left to do the heavy lifting while Carrey owns the screen. And it's for the best. This is over-the-top in the best sense, and it remains highly watchable today.8/10

I think Swoosie Kurz sums it up nicely in the bloopers: OVERACTOR.There's nothing in this film except Carrey doing his over-the-top routine in front of a camera. He's talented, but it's just silly and at times even embarrassing. It seems as if the script was "let's have a basic plot outline, and then have Carrey do whatever he wants in front of the camera for about 80 minutes. And that's a wrap". This isn't comedy, there's nothing funny or entertaining about it, and even as slapstick it doesn't hold up. In his own words, had "somebody stopped him", the film would have benefited greatly. As it is, it is just boring, which is a shame.

With a sincere & emotional story at heart, this hilarious flick turns out to be enjoyable while touching at the same time. I credit all the entertainment to the lead star Jim Carrey, for his amusing antics and perfect comic timing. Also, the kid is very adorable.Jim turns from shamelessly selfish to an adorable and honest dad effortlessly, and this is where the charm of the film lies. The story is very simple and cute, and unveils the potential for unlimited funny moments. I felt that it could have been capitalized on better.I found the ending funny but cliché, and that is where my scoring of the film comes down. Also, I did not like the wife's unsurity about which man to choose. She was not nice to the other man who loved her. He may not have been the best dad, but was sincerely concerned for the child.All in all, a complete entertainer and a must watch.

Liar, Liar (1997): Dir: Tom Shadyac / Cast: Jim Carrey, Jennifer Tilly, Maura Tierney, Cary Elwes, Justin Cooper: A one joke comedy made completely out of cardboard. Title indicates an accusation made against the title character but the screenplays fails to be anything more than a sitcom. Jim Carrey plays a lawyer who is unable to lie after his son makes a particular birthday wish. He had promised to spend more time with his son but he often fails in keeping these promises. He misses his son's birthday after engaging in an affair. The whole idea of his inability to lie is never explained. It makes no sense that he cannot even write a lie. His next case is constructed totally out of lies. Jennifer Tilly is trying to gain custody of her child even due to a long list of affairs. Directed by Tom Shadyac who previously directed Carrey in the even worse Ace Ventura: Pet Detective. Carrey holds his own using much physical humour and a clever manner to his disposal in dealing with the court case. Tilly is in excellent form as Carrey literally makes her believe her own horseshit. Supporting roles are the usual flat cookie cutters such as Maura Tierney as his ex, and Cary Elwes as her potential new boyfriend. Justin Cooper plays his son who seems to have the amazing ability to create magic with birthday wishes. Good idea with a lot of physical humour but without payoff and that is no lie. Score: 5 / 10