Ricky Gervais obviously is tormented by eugenics.

This is a cute, light movie about a world where no one lies and a guy that figures out how and becomes really powerful. But then about half way through the movie something happens and it becomes more and more about genetic paranoia. I’m not sure I understand how this happened or why. All I can say is: Ricky Gervais is really not that ugly; he’s actually pretty decent looking and not all that heavy either. Someone needs to reassure him of this – maybe he’ll read this review?

After watching this film I started to ponder the fact that in the world where everyone tells the truth everyone was a complete asshole: shallow, selfish, judgmental, nasty as all fuck. During the film I thought this was just done for humor, but later the film seemed to be making (perhaps inadvertently) a fairly sophisticated statement about the nature of truth – that perceiving the truth, the real truth, in any area of life is actually rather hard, and takes work. The struggle and transformation of Jennifer Garner’s character along these lines is quite beautiful when seen from this perceptive. I’m not at all sure that Ricky Gervais intended to make this deep statement about truth as a spiritual quest, but nevertheless it adds some nice depth to the film, even if accidentally.

The film is not super funny, but at least it is a welcome humor-alternative to Seth Rogan and Judd Apatow poop-fests. It’s nice to see someone trying to do something different. The film reminded me a little bit of Sleeper for some reason, except not as funny. But it’s not bad – if you crave a light-but-dignified comic diversion, give it a try!