Big Fat Liar (2002)

Plot: 14-year-old Jason (Frankie Muniz) is a compulsive liar. When he lies about the reason why he couldn't write an English paper and is caught, he's told unless he finishes the paper in a certain amount of time, he'll have to attend summer school. He manages to finish the paper, writing a story called "Big Fat Liar". While riding on a bike to hand the paper to his teacher (Sandra Oh), he hits the limo of Marty Wolf (Paul Giamatti), a Hollywood producer who like Jason, is a compulsive liar, but believes it helps his career. "Big Fat Liar" falls out of Jason's backpack and Marty steals it and plans to make it his comeback movie. Jason tells his parents and teacher about what happened, but they don't believe him. To prove he's telling the truth, Jason goes to Los Angeles and takes his best friend Kaylee (Amanda Bynes) with him. But Wolf proves to be reluctant, refusing to admit the truth. Jason and Kaylee make numerous plans to prove Jason's innocence. But will they work?

Review: I really like this movie. I like the plot and it's references to Hollywood. The plot is cliche at certain points, but they worked. They're still there and they're noticeable but they work well into the film's plot.

What I like about the film's humor is that while it is cartoonish and will please kid viewers, it doesn't go completely over the top. The gags and pranks that Jason and Kaylee pull on Marty reminds me a lot of those that were used in the Home Alone movies. Even though it's cartoonish and ridiculous, it still entertains.

The acting is surprisingly good. Frankie Muniz does a good job as lying Jason who is desperate to prove himself worthy of his father's trust. When he does prove that he was telling the truth, we're satisfied that the protagonist succeed in his goal. Paul Giamatti does nice work as Marty. He is a cartoonish villain, much like the burglars from Home Alone, but he still manages to entertain and make us laugh. Amanda Bynes does fine as Kaylee. She has great comedic timing and she shines in certain moments with Frankie Muniz. The supporting cast is also very good.

Overall, this is an energetic, funny, entertaining and fun movie that kids will certainly enjoy and that adults will probably too.

Rating: 3.5/5