Big Fat Liar - A Movie Review

Lies will only make the situation worse.

Big Fat Liar is a 2002 film. Fourteen-year-old Jason Shepherd has a habit of lying. To make up for his failing grade, he writes a killer essay. Only it’s stolen by big-time Hollywood producer, Marty Wolf, who turns it into a smash-hit film. With nobody on his side, except his best friend Kaylee, the duo travel to Hollywood for the ultimate revenge.

Big Fat Liar is one of those films I watched as a kid and relived its nostalgia as an adult. I laughed a lot and it’s an enjoyable story. This film reflects on two integral messages. Never tell lies and don’t let people walk all over you.

Best known for his role in Malcolm in the Middle, Frankie Muniz stars as Jason Shepherd. Muniz does a splendid job of capturing the spirit of a young teen, navigating the complexities of right and wrong.

Jason comes to realize what his future holds from witnessing others' actions. Muniz documented this element very well in his performance. Aside from teaching viewers the exploits of lying, he encourages viewers to stand up for their rights.

If only I could time travel and tell my 2002 self that one day Paul Giamatti would be on my favorite actor’s list. Giamatti is the highlight of Big Fat Liar. He understood the assignment and delivered a memorable hammed-up performance.

As a big Hollywood producer, Marty chooses cheating and deception. Giamatti has energy and comical wit that deserves more praise. His dance out to the pool is the funniest thing ever, followed by his reaction to Jason’s blue revenge.

Kaylee (Amanda Bynes) joins Jason on his unexpected adventure. This was Bynes's movie debut! Muniz and Bynes made a fantastic comedic team. More credits include Amanda Detmer, Donald Faison, Russell Hornsby, and Lee Majors. The movie has several small roles, like Sandra Oh as Jason’s teacher.

Shawn Levy made Big Fat Liar an action-packed film. Levy is known for his knack for family-friendly comedies. Levy has a keen eye for visual gags, especially in the film’s comedy portion. Big Fat Liar produces a montage of laughs in the climax.

The comedy is loaded with funny gags, especially in the signature revenge sequence. Before production started, Levy and the writers worked on enhancing the script, specifically on the comedy portion. And thus, the revenge montage was born! One trick after another is played on Marty. The comedy is loaded with funny gags, especially in the revenge sequence.

The iconic scene where Marty is turned blue was achieved using a combination of practical effects and makeup. Giamatti spent hours in the makeup chair each day. Too bad no one realized the blue-dye joke on Giamatti would surpass filming. His feet stayed blue for several months!

The film's locations add to its charm, with much of the action taking place in the vibrant and exaggerated world of Hollywood. I would love to visit this entertaining place one day. It’s a chance to see how the movies are made. Every setting is integral to the plot, starting at Jason’s school until exploring Hollywood.

The lesson about lying is the key theme in Big Fat Liar. The film doesn’t shy away from the consequences of lying. Sometimes the conflict resolution is terrifying, but telling lies makes things worse. Always be honest and don’t steal ideas from others.

If you’re looking for an adventure or nostalgia-fuel, watch Big Fat Liar. I watched this film while I was on the treadmill and I couldn’t stop laughing in the climax.