Indeed - I think white lies are a certain kindness we give each other. It is all in the intention behind it. This movie sounds amazing, but I will still be waiting for Netflix. $10 buys a lot of soy milk.

But I guess Gervais will make a lot more money regardless. Yikes this is fun! Glenn Beck should try telling the truth - he could be just as annoying but no one would watch him.

is he lying or not i mean do they just say things or are they thinking it. were not supposed to lie

Ghost Town, Gervais' first starring role in a film only grossed $13 million in the US. It's still up in the air whether he has a career in film.

No, there's no hope for a new type of leading man. Gervais is one of a kind. He has a confidence in the intelligence and perceptiveness of his audience that is, let's face it, not just missing but altogether unthinkable among the vast majority of his colleagues, comedians or otherwise. I just hope he keeps turning up consistently good work, and that doesn't have to be in the movies.

Gervais may be a genius - I'm not conceding that, yet - but the movie was lame, lame LAME

His undoubted talent (not necessarily genius) doesn't come close to rescuing a nothing script

"Ghost Town" was really delightful, the best romantic comedy since "Something's Gotta Give." Although the central conceit of "Invention of Lying" sounds a little flimsy, I'd give Gervais the benefit of the doubt in something much lamer than this -- even if he weren't backed by this truly stellar supporting cast.

That was pure pleasure to read. I love Gervais, he's a comic's comic. You did him justice--he's sui generis. "Chubby Little Fat man" as his theme song goes.

I can hardly wait to see the movie.

Anyone who would like to see another Gervais vehicle should catch "Ghost Road"--it's a wonderful movie, full of heart, very much out of the mold. And for that reason, it didn't get nearly the amount of play it should have gotten.

You claim "women can't open," the common misogynous wisdom of Hollywood who couldn't perceive Tolkein translated to screen either. The times they are a changing. If a fat girl was greeted by a reasonably attractive male on a blind date what consideration would be shown? Yet you have such deep compassion for this person who can't drag his ass to a gym in order to win a woman who obviously enlists some energy in the cause of self maintenance. The sword cuts both ways.

Fat guys making movies? Smug about their point of view? So what? Capitalism is evil!!! Snort, grumble, spew! And another thing! HOW DARE YOU criticize my above criticism icon! Oh, wrong movie. This guy is better looking than Michael Moore. Wonder how Ricky would look in baseball cap.

This review made me laugh, what a great start to the morning. Well written and lovely.

Hollywood should try again on the women thing. They didn't give up on Blacks or homosexuals.

Stephanie,

Another great review. I think you nailed Gervais precisely, on five or six parameters. Can't wait to see the movie (right after Michael Moore's latest).

Your reviews are invariably a pleasure to read.

Don Singleton

Gervais' performance in the British series "The Office" is pure genius. The original version of the show puts the American version to shame.

In addition to writing for the show, Gervais' performance as the two-faced manager is to be treasured.

Despite the high concept aspect of this film I really enjoyed Ghost Town and therefore I'd be willing to give this a look. Not sure it is a must see in the theater for me though.

As in actual English. It's perfect for use in situations where you just can't be chuffed.

Well, I am an unabashed fan of Ricky Gervais.

I would go so far as to say he's just comic genius. His timing is impeccable and his delivery just right on.

If you haven't seen an episode of Extras..rent one. Especially, the episode with Kate Winslet.

It's unfortunate that Ghost Town didn't do well in theaters. It was actually a really enjoyable movie.

Unfortunately, it seems that Hollywood's brainwashing of moviegoers regarding what or who is attractive is working against Gervais.

OR maybe it just takes a certain sense of humor to truly appreciate his comedy.....and then I see him cracking up John Stewart or on the Emmy's and I think...no, this guy really is freakin' hilarious!

People are missing out. I hope he catches on in this country and people begin to recognize his talent.

I think that Ricky Gervais is one of the funniest comedians in the business. I saw him in a movie about a year or so ago. I don't remember the name of the movie, but it was about a dentist, who didn't realize he was funny. I believe that he also was walking around people and did not know that he was dead. I believe Greg Kinnear was in the film, as well. I would truly like to see his version of the office, having said that, I still love Steve Carell's version is hysterically funny. I watch it every time I get the chance. Duane, played by Raine Willson is hysterically funny. I hope the series never goes off the air.

of interest is added to Gervais' cheerful lampooning of his own schlubby looks when you consider the fact that he used to be a slender, androgynous new-wave pretty boy:

http://www.seonadancing.com/seona2big1.jpg

on tv in the passed few years was "Peep Show." Its about these two guys one a straight office jock and the other who thinks he's an arty musician who live together, both of whom in their own inimical way are total wankers. Try it out:

Peep Show

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=1411895134517323101#

but don't sell Stephen Merchant short when doling out credit for The Office and Extras.

For those of you who are fans of The Office and Extras, you might try Gervais and Merhcant's radio show, which you can listen to at rickygervaisshow.com.

And adding Karl Pilkington into the mix takes things to another (very weird) level.