The movie departs from a similar point as "Lier Lier" did, but explores subjects in a deeper and complex way, moving from a personal extravagant experience to the social one. The movie is actually a parody of our modern world in which lies are sold as the truth from the Church, the Government and the Media, and in which double-faced behaviour is condoned as politeness. TIOL is quite irreverent in every aspect, without being offensive regarding religion; the story of the "man on the sky" really makes a point that everybody will understand (although religious fanatics will certainly think otherwise).
The script is brilliant, very witty and funny, but I don't think will satisfy viewers looking for an easy laugh or a empty comedy. If you go beyond the comedy, you'll notice that the movie is, in fact, very poignant and philosophical. It poses so many interesting questions and dilemmas in a very unpretentious way: Are eugenics the future of society to produce better children? 1/ Does genetic imperfection equal human imperfection? Animals indeed mate the best genetically available mate to give their offspring the best chance of survival, so why humans don't need to follow the rules of Nature? 2/ Is there an uncrossing line in lying that shouldn't be crossed ever? If lying makes happy some people, why telling them the truth? Does Society needs of white lies to be more developed and civilized, or is it the contrary? 3/ Is Religion a white lie that makes us happier and therefore necessary? Does the possibility of God not existing makes God a lie?
The all-star cast members offer very good and funny performances: Ricky Gervais as the fat looser script-writer Mark Bellison; Jennifer Garner as the sweet talented but genetically minded Anna McDoogles; Johah Hill as the depressive suicidal young Frank; Louis C.K. as Mark's best unemployed friend Greg; Jeffrey Tambor as Mark's boss Anthony; Fionnula Flanagan as Mark's mother Martha; Rob Lowe as Mark's nemesis Brad, and Tina Fey as Mark's bitchy secretary Shelley. Gervais rises to the occasion and offers a very balanced performance of an unhappy person, and it is surprisingly believable the whole movie, especially in the most dramatic scenes involving his screen mother. Gervais and Gardner have a great chemistry on camera, despite all odds, and the story is completely believable also because of Gardner's warmth, cheeky and fresh performance.
The movie deflates a bit at the end, and there are a few inconsistencies in the story, that is, things that do not make sense and were unnecessary. For example, if God did not exist in this imaginary world, why there are church buildings in town? There are many examples of the same sort; although unimportant, they rest inner coherence to the film.
A thought-provoking witty original fable not apt for those looking for an easy laugh. Blind faithful of any creed, please abstain.
