ScreenCrave.com » ricky gervais

The Artist, The Descendents and The Help Lead The Golden Globe Nominations for 2012

Damon Houx — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 17:59:06 +0000

The 69th annual Golden Globes nominees have been announced, and this year they’re big on definite articles. The Help, The Artist and The Descendents lead the pack of nominees. Which is interesting because – if the Globes have a weakness – it’s that they chase the famous names, and these noms aren’t that celeb-heavy. Then again, George Clooney has received three nominations directly (for actor, writing and directing) between The Ides of March and Descendents, and surely a fourth for producing March. Check out the full list…

If the Golden Globes’ status has fallen any in the last couple years, it’s only because Oscar prognostication has shown that the Globes have little effect on the big award of the season. Still, everyone knows it’s going to be more fun because it’s drunker, looser, and not taken as seriously. Ricky Gervais will be hosting, so it’s going to be worth watching for that at least.

If this says anything about award season, it’s that The Artist and The Descendents are pretty much locks for best picture Oscar nominations. And probably also The Help. But for those looking to get a jump on their Oscar pools, always follow the SAG awards. Why? Because they have the largest voting block, and as goes the actors, so goes the majority of the awards. Of course their list came out yesterday and because they went early it’s possible many voters didn’t get a chance to see as much as they have now. But there are only so many contenders now.

MOTION PICTURE

Motion Picture, Drama
The Descendants
The Help
Hugo
The Ides of March
Moneyball
War Horse

Best Performance By An Actress In A Motion Picture – Drama
Glenn Close, Albert Nobbs
Viola Davis, The Help
Rooney Mara, The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo
Meryl Streep, The Iron Lady
Tilda Swinton, We Need To Talk About Kevin

Best Performance By An Actor In A Motion Picture – Drama
George Clooney, The Descendants
Leonardo DiCaprio, J. Edgar
Michael Fassbender, Shame
Ryan Gosling, The Ides of March
Brad Pitt, Moneyball

Best Motion Picture – Comedy Or Musical
50/50
The Artist
Bridesmaids
Midnight in Paris
My Week With Marilyn

Best Performance By An Actress in A Motion Picture – Comedy Or Musical
Jodie Foster, Carnage
Charlize Theron, Young Adult
Kristen Wiig, Bridesmaids
Michelle Williams, My Week With Marilyn
Kate Winselt, Carnage

Best Performance By An Actor In A Motion Picture – Comedy Or Musical
Jean DuJardin, The Artist
Brendan Gleeson, The Guard
Joseph Gordon-Levitt, 50/50
Ryan Gosling, Crazy, Stupid, Love.
Owen Wilson, Midnight in Paris

Best Animated Feature Film
The Adventures of Tintin
Arthur Christmas
Cars 2
Puss in Boots
Rango

Best Foreign Language Film
The Flowers of War (China)
In the Land of Blood and Honey (USA)
The Kid With A Bike (Belgium)
A Separation (Iran)
The Skin I Live In (Spain)

Best Performance By An Actress In A Supporting Role In A Motion Picture
Berenice Bejo, The Artist
Jessica Chastain, The Help
Janet McTeer, Albert Nobbs
Octavia Spencer, The Help
Shailene Woodley, The Descendants

Best Performance By An Actor In A Supporting Role In A Motion Picture
Kenneth Branagh, My Week With Marilyn
Albert Brooks, Drive
Jonah Hill, Moneyball
Viggo Mortensen, A Dangerous Method
Christopher Plummer, Beginners

Best Director – Motion Picture
Woody Allen, Midnight in Paris
George Clooney, The Ides of March
Michel Hazanvicius, The Artist
Alexander Payne, The Descendants
Martin Scorsese, Hugo

Best Screenplay – Motion Picture
Woody Allen, Midnight in Paris
George Clooney, Grant Heslov, Beau Willimon, The Ides of March
Michel Hazanavicius, The Artist
Alexander Payne, Nat Faxon, Jim Rash, The Descendants
Steven Zaillian, Aaron Sorkin, Moneyball

Best Original Score – Motion Picture
Ludovic Bource, The Artist
Abel Korzeniowski, W.E.
Trent Reznor, Atticus Ross, The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo
Howard Shore, Hugo
John Williams, War Horse

Best Original Song – Motion Picture
“Hello Hello” — Gnomeo & Juliet
Music by: Elton John
Lyrics by: Bernie Taupin
“The Keeper” — Machine Gun Preacher
Music & Lyrics by: Chris Cornell
“Lay Your Head Down” — Albert Nobbs
Music by: Brian Byrne
Lyrics by: Glenn Close
“The Living Proof” — The Help
Music by: Mary J. Blige, Thomas Newman, Harvey Mason, Jr.
Lyrics by: Mary J. Blige, Harvey Mason, Jr., Damon Thomas
“Masterpiece” — W.E.
Music & Lyrics by: Madonna, Julie Frost, Jimmy Harry

TELEVISION

Best Television Series – Drama
American Horror Story, FX
Boardwalk Empire, HBO
Boss, STARZ
Game of Thrones, HBO
Homeland, Showtime

Best Performance By An Actress In A Television Series – Drama
Claire Danes, Homeland
Mireille Enos, The Killing
Julianna Margulies, The Good Wife
Madeleine Stowe, Revenge
Callie Thorne, Necessary Roughness

Best Performance By An Actor In A Television Series – Drama
Steve Buscemi, Boardwalk Empire
Bryan Cranston, Breaking Bad
Kelsey Grammer, Boss
Jeremy Irons, The Borgias
Damian Lewis, Homeland

Best Television Series – Comedy Or Musical
Enlightened, HBO
Episodes, Showtime
Glee, FOX
Modern Family, ABC
New Girl, FOX

Best Performance By An Actress In A Television Series – Comedy Or Musical

Laura Dern, Enlightened
Zooey Deschanel, New Girl
Tina Fey, 30 Rock
Laura Linney, The Big C
Amy Poehler, Parks and Recreation

Best Performance By An Actor In A Television Series – Comedy Or Musical
Alec Baldwin, 30 Rock
David Duchovny, Californication
Johnny Galecki, The Big Bang Theory
Thomas Jane, Hung
Matt LeBlanc, Episodes

Best Mini-Series Or Motion Picture Made For Television
Cinema Verite, HBO
Downton Abbey, PBS (Masterpiece)
The Hour, BBC America
Mildred Pierce, HBO
Too Big to Fail, HBO

Best Performance By An Actress In A Mini-Series Or Motion Picture Made For Television
Romola Garai, The Hour
Diane Lane, Cinema Verite
Elizabeth McGovern, Downton Abbey
Emily Watson, Appropriate Adult
Kate Winslet, Mildred Pierce

Best Performance By An Actor In A Mini-Series Or Motion Picture Made For Television
Hugh Bonneville, Downton Abbey
Idris Elba, Luther
William Hurt, To Big to Fail
Bill Nighy, Page Eight
Dominic West, The Hour

Best Performance By An Actress In A Supporting Role In A Series, Mini-Series, Or Motion Picture Made for Television
Jessica Lange, American Horror Story
Kelly Macdonald, Boardwalk Empire
Maggie Smith, Downton Abbey
Sofia Vergara, Modern Family
Evan Rachel Wood, Mildred Pierce

Best Performance By An Actor in A Supporting Role in A Series, Mini-Series Or Motion Picture Made For Television
Peter Dinklage, Game of Thrones
Paul Giamatti, Too Big to Fail
Guy Pearce, Mildred Pierce
Tim Robbins, Cinema Verite
Eric Stonestreet, Modern Family

Who do you want to win? Who do you think got snubbed?

Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant Start Production on New Series, Watch Teaser

Laura Aguirre — Mon, 27 Jun 2011 15:45:41 +0000

Ricky Gervais and his right hand man Stephen Merchant have began production on their new comedy series “Life’s Too Short.” The show will air on the BBC2 later this year, but for those of us on the west side of the pond, we’ll have to wait until fall 2012 when HBO premieres the show. Check out what Gervais has to say about his new show from the set of “Life’s Too Short.”

Gervais, who’s mainly known for his good work on “Extras” and the original “The Office,” is both writing and executive producing “Life’s Too Short” with Merchant. In a brief clip (see below), Gervais and Merchant introduce the sitcom alongside Warwick Davis, the star of the show.

In the new sitcom Davis will play a fictionalized version of himself as a worn-down actor who’s looking to get back into the spotlight. The cameras will follow him à la “Extras” and “The Office.”

It should come as no surprise that Gervais has already lined up some amazing cameos to be on the show including Steve Carell, Johnny Depp and Sting. On “Extras,” Gervais was able to get icons like David Bowie and Robert De Niro.

The good thing about Gervais and Merchant is that they know when to pull the plug on a show. Based on their previous projects, “Life’s Too Short” will probably have a short run. In the clip below, we can get a taste of what is to be expected from this show. Indeed, this will be another series full of awkward silences and hilarious moments.

(via Zap2It)

Will you tune in for “Life’s Too Short” in 2012?

More Guest Stars for The Office’s Season Finale

Damon Houx — Wed, 06 Apr 2011 02:33:49 +0000

With Steve Carell out of The Office, there’s a hole to fill and it’s unknown who’s going to take his place. Will Ferrell is completing an arc this season, but he’s a big-time movie star, so it’s unlikely he’ll stick around. Ricky Gervais and Will Arnett have been tapped to be in the finale, but Arnett has set up another NBC show, so it’s unlikely he’ll come back. That would leave Gervais the last man standing if it weren’t for the news from The Hollywood Reporter that Ray Romano, Catherine Tate and James Spader are now all going to appear in the season finale as well.

Gervais may have been something of a logical choice, though he’s already covered the terrain before in the U.K. version, so unless he’s trying to build up his image stateside, he gets paid as the creator of the show regardless. Ray Romano’s been on the show “Men of a Certain Age” and it does not appear the show has been cancelled, so likely he’s a one and done.

Which leaves Spader and Tate. James Spader got famous playing jerks in John Hughes and other period young adult films, only to graduate to indie film star. He eventually moved into television, and did five Seasons of “Boston Legal.” Spader can be very funny, though this may be too familiar.

Catherine Tate is a British TV star, and my guess is that she’s going to play either the wife of the relative of Gervais’s character. From this breakdown, Spader seems the most likely replacement candidate.

Then again, they may not have this nailed down until next season. The finale airs May 19.

Who should replace Steve Carell on The Office?

Ricky Gervais and Will Arnett Guest on The Office Season Finale

Damon Houx — Tue, 22 Mar 2011 03:59:39 +0000

With “The Office” losing Steve Carell this season, it’s unknown how the show will try to replace him. The Hollywood Reporter is noting that both Ricky Gervais (from the BBC “The Office”) and Will Arnett (from “Arrested Development” and the recently canceled “Running Wilde“) will appear in the last episode of the show’s seventh season finale. This casting makes it hard not to wonder if either is being groomed to replace Carell as the show has been renewed for an eighth season.

There were many names put on the short list of actors to replace Carell, and Gervais was among them (and supposedly so was/is Harvey Keitel). Gervais showed up for a cameo earlier this season, but it was mostly a joke for fans of the original show, and a throwaway gag.It would be interesting to see him go into the mix, and after the mixed reception his films roles have gotten, it wouldn’t be that surprising to see him try to booster his American credibility as an actor/star stateside.

But the casting of Will Arnett tingles our Spidey-senses. For one, he’s happy in television, having made his name there. His film work is mostly in supporting turns, and he’s usually left playing jerks and cads, where this would offer some meat. For another, his wife Amy Poehler is currently starring in “Parks and Rec,” and though – obviously – he wouldn’t be working with her, both shows shoot in Los Angeles, and would be on similar work schedules.

As we haven’t heard if Keitel or others are coming aboard – and it would make sense to set up the next season in the finale – I would put money one (or both) will be returning next season in a starring or co-starring capacity. That said, the last couple episodes are scheduled to have some heavy-hitting supporting turns, including Will Ferrell, and this could just be more place-holding.

Who would you like to see as the new boss of The Office?

Ricky Gervais Will Appear on NBC’s The Office

Krystal Clark — Wed, 19 Jan 2011 22:05:10 +0000

He’s baaack! Ricky Gervais, the executive producer of NBC’s “The Office” will make a guest appearance on the show according to EW. Gervais will bring his alter ego David Brent to the States to mix it up with the cast, and we’re sure hilarity will ensue. Brent was the original boss on the BBC version of “The Office.” We wonder how he and Michael will get along?

Gervais’ appearance was shot months ago, and is expected to air on January 27. It’s described as a “small cameo” that will feature Brent running into Michael Scott. Since they’re pretty much the same character, will they be repelled by one another? Or will this be some creepy love fest between the two? Gervais co-created “The Office” on The BBC where it ran for two seasons, and spawned an awesome Christmas special.

With all the mixed reviews, and negative news that’s been surrounding the comedian since last Sunday’s Golden Globes, this is great to hear! Brent’s appearance will certainly add a highlight to a daunting season, which will feature the exit of Steve Carell’s character.

Are you excited about Gervais appearing on The Office? What do you think will happen?

Ricky Gervais, Emily Blunt, Mickey Rooney Join The Muppets

Krystal Clark — Thu, 02 Dec 2010 16:32:37 +0000

The cast continues to grow to epic proportions for the new Muppets movie. According to THR, three more actors have joined the film including an English comedian, a starlet, and a Hollywood legend. Ricky Gervais, Emily Blunt, and Mickey Rooney are the latest thespians to sign on for the project that’s already filled to the brim with talent.

According to the trade, the trio of actors will all have bit parts in the film similar to Alan Arkin, Jack Black, Billy Crystal, Zach Galifianakis and Jean-Claude Van Damme’s appearances.

Official Synopsis:

“The Greatest Muppet Movie Ever Made is about Gary, Mary, and Walter (a man, his girlfriend, and the man’s life-long nondescript, brown puppet best friend) getting the old Muppet gang – now retired entertainers known for the same Muppet show we know them from – together to save the TV studio that the original show was shot in. A villain, Tex Richman, bent on drilling for oil underneath the studio, is due to take over the studio in weeks, and the only way to stop him? Putting on a show that draws ten million viewers.”

The film is directed by James Bobin and stars Jason Segel, Amy Adams, Chris Cooper, and Rashida Jones in leading roles.

The Muppets is scheduled to hit theaters on December 25, 2011.

What do you think of the latest additions to the cast?

Ricky Gervais Returning to Host 2011 Golden Globes

Krystal Clark — Wed, 28 Apr 2010 18:36:43 +0000

Last year when it was announced that Ricky Gervais was set to host the 67th Annual Golden Globe Awards everyone thought the show would be hilarious. But instead of humor we got (what seemed like) a few alcohol induced ramblings and cheap shots at the audience. The reviews of his performance were mixed and it kind of made us long for the good old days when there wasn’t a host. Unfortunately, NBC and the Hollywood Foreign Press didn’t have the same reaction and have hired Gervais to return next year.

According to EW, NBC and HFPA announced earlier today that Gervais has been recruited to host the 68th Annual Golden Globe Awards on January 16, 2011. Their decision not only shocked the general population but it surprised Gervais himself. Even he couldn’t believe that they would ask him back after all the weird things that came out of his mouth last time.

“I can’t believe they invited me back after awful things I said,” said Gervais in a statement. “Let’s see how far I can go this time.”

Apparently his ability to “push boundaries,” is what made him so popular with the network. According to Paul Telegdy, Executive Vice President, Alternative Programming at NBC,

“He’s a true force of nature with a wicked sense of humor who always keeps everyone on their toes waiting for the unexpected.”

Is he on crack? We love Gervais just as much as the next guy but the Globes sucked this year. They were filled with awkward pauses, glances at the camera, and jokes that made people uncomfortable. When you get down to it, the real reason they brought him back may have something to do with the huge ratings boost the show received.

The ceremony attracted NBC’s largest non-sports audience in that time slot with 17 million viewers. Let’s see if they can keep those numbers up in 2011 because something tells us they had more to do with the success of Avatar than Gervais.

What do you think about Ricky Gervais returning to host the Globes? Did you enjoy him this year?

HBO Renews The Ricky Gervais Show

Krystal Clark — Wed, 24 Mar 2010 22:41:24 +0000

Actor-writer-director Ricky Gervais has once again struck gold with a cable television series. This time his success stems from the aptly titled “The Ricky Gervais Show” on the HBO network. According to Reuters, the freshman animated series has been renewed for a second season, which will mark the return of Gervais and his co-stars Stephen Merchant and Karl Pilkington.

“The Ricky Gervais Show” is based on a series of podcasts where the three collaborators discuss a various array of topics. Seriously, they talk about the most random things like what superpower they would choose or their stance on public nudity. That type of banter must be what HBO execs are looking for these days because they’ll be back for another round next season.

The network’s decision comes as a surprise because when “The Ricky Gervais Show” originally aired its ratings weren’t that great. As a matter of fact it still only “averages 180,000 viewers an episode, with a 0.1 rating in the adults 18-49 demographic.” But there’s a certain amount of history between the actor and HBO, the network previously aired his UK based series “Extras,” which lasted a few seasons before Gervais decided to pull the plug.

Even though the ratings are dismal now it doesn’t mean they won’t improve with time. You know what other HBO show had horrible ratings when it first aired? “True Blood.” We see how that one turned out.

Do you watch The Ricky Gervais Show? Were you a fan of Extras or the BBC version of The Office?

New DVD Releases: The Invention Of Lying, Che, Weeds

Andrew Payne — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 20:17:04 +0000

There are a lot of movies rolling onto DVD this week, just none that we really care about. This is one of those weeks where you go to Blockbuster (or look at the Netflix new release page) and end up wandering to the middle of the store to get that old Woody Allen movie you’ve been meaning to see.

Of course, this eclectic barrage of DVD newness could just mean there’s something out there for everybody.

Check it all out…

FEATURE FILMS

The Invention of Lying

After creating two of the five funniest series of the last decade and then rattling off gems like he was yawning at the Golden Globes Sunday night, there is only one thing to ask about Ricky Gervais – why can’t he create a good movie?

Anybody who saw this film understands the disappointment inherent therein. It’s a great premise (a man becomes the first person ever to lie) and is brimming with genius actors. But, it just isn’t that good.

And how is this? How can Ricky Gervais be one of the best in a variety of forums (TV, radio, podcasting, stand up, awards show appearances) yet can’t quite connect when it comes to film?

Who knows? Maybe he needs Stephen Merchant, who is fortunately co-writing and co-directing Gervais’ next film, Cemetery Junction.

In the meantime, we’ll have to content ourselves with this DVD.

Che

It’s amazing the epics that just disappear as quickly as they arrive. Che had all the makings of something that should rake in awards and debut to rapturous acclaim.

It featured an Oscar-winning star (Benicio Del Toro) an Oscar-winning and wildly successful director (Steven Soderbergh), deals with a controversial and notorious historical figure (Che Guevara) and told the story on an epic four-hour scale.

Then it came out, and then it left theaters about 30 seconds later.

It’s strange, because this was a fine film, certainly not worse than many of the epics that gain such amazing traction (certainly better than The Reader) yet it gets tossed out, kind of like Cradle Will Rock in the early part of the decade. That could’ve been Reds and now everybody who just read the last sentence doesn’t even know what movie I’m referencing.

Luckily, we have a Criterion Collection Blu-Ray available so this movie isn’t completely lost.

Also:

Gamer – Buy Now
The Haunting in Connecticut – Buy Now
No Impact Man – Buy Now
Pandorum – Buy Now
Whiteout – Buy Now

TV ON DVD

“Weeds” – Season 5

What do we make of Weeds at this point? It’s gone so far away from its original intent (suburban satire about small-time pot dealing) and gone into a full-blown comedy featuring border patrols, Mexican drug lords and pregnancies galore.

Not to mention Alanis Morisette.

Yes, if you’re one of the many premium channel DVD junkies who watch their faves only when they hit disc, that’s what you have to look forward to in season five.

Subtraction by addition? You be the judge when you buy the DVD.

Also:

“Dallas”: Season 12 – Buy Now
“Damages”: Season 2 – Buy Now
“Defying Gravity”: Season 1 – Buy Now
“The Game”: Season 2 – Buy Now
“Girlfriends”: The Final Season – Buy Now
“Law & Order”: Season 7 – Buy Now
“thirtysomething”: Season 2 – Buy Now

What DVDs are you looking forward to buying this week?

Photos From Ricky Gervais’ Cemetery Junction

Krystal Clark — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 17:20:59 +0000

After hosting the Golden Globes on Sunday, British writer, actor, and comedian Ricky Gervais has been getting the short end of the stick. His humor isn’t for the weak at heart and certain celebrities just couldn’t take a joke. For those of us who get his sense of humor, we’ve got some photos from his latest film, Cemetery Junction. It features his writing and directing partner Stephen Merchant and plenty of talented, young English actors…

Cemetery Junction is period piece that takes place in a provincial English town in the 1970′s. The main character Freddie, (Christian Cooke) is anxious to break free from his working class roots, but has to maneuver around the opposition of his best friends Bruce and Snork, played by Tom Hughes and Jack Doolan. Gervais has described the film as a “love letter to England,” and states that it celebrates the youthful experience like the English version of Saturday Night Fever.

The comparison to the old John Travolta flick worries me, because everyone praises Saturday Night Fever for being a dance flick, but what about all the heavy issues that were presented in the story? Will Cemetery Junction have me laughing in one scene and crying in another?

Here are the photos that feature the three main actors as well as Matthew Goode, Emily Watson, and Ralph Fiennes.

Cemetery Junction will be released on April 7th in the U.K.

What do you think of the first photos from Cemetery Junction?

Source: Collider

Ricky Gervais to Host Golden Globes

Krystal Clark — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 20:04:17 +0000

Here’s a welcome and refreshing surprise courtesy of The Hollywood Foreign Press and NBC. The host for the 67th Annual Golden Globe Awards has been announced and it’s none other than Ricky Gervais. According to THR, the British writer-producer-actor-director has been chosen to emcee the event that hasn’t been hosted since 1995.

Many people have found Gervais’ previous awards appearances hilarious so it’s no surprise that he was chosen to finally host one. He’s done plenty of successful skits at the Emmy’s and the Globes in the past, so why not give him three hours to work with?

“Ricky is certainly one of the funniest people on the planet and has provided some of the most hilarious and memorable awards show moments in recent memory,” said Paul Telegdy, exec vp alternative programming at NBC and Universal Media Studios. “His unique comedic style will enhance the only awards show that brings together television and film stars to celebrate entertainment’s biggest night of the year.”

Gervais himself considered this an offer he couldn’t resist.

“Not only is this the biggest Hollywood celebration of the industry which includes both film and TV, but also an environment where I feel I can get free reign as a host. I have resisted many other offers like this, but there are just some things you don’t turn down,” Gervais said.

I personally enjoy watching the Golden Globes a lot more than the Oscars, and with Gervais on the mic it will be even more enjoyable. The ceremony will take place on January 17th and will be televised on NBC.

What do you think of Gervais hosting the Golden Globes?

The Invention of Lying: Movie Review

Krystal Clark — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 01:30:11 +0000

Are you interested in some dry British humor, with a side of moral ambiguity? The Invention of Lying is the latest film from the creator of the hit TV series The Office and Extras, Ricky Gervais. The movie takes place in a world where deception doesn’t exist and honesty isn’t the best policy, it’s the only policy. The Invention of Lying centers on the one person in the universe who’s developed the understanding and the ability to tell a lie.

Check out our review for The Invention of Lying…

The Players:

Directors: Ricky Gervais and Matthew Robinson
Screenwriters: Ricky Gervais and Matthew Robinson
Cast: Ricky Gervais, Jennifer Garner, Rob Lowe, Louis C.K., Tina Fey, Jeffrey Tambor, and Jonah Hill

The Plot:

The Invention of Lying takes place in an alternate universe where the concept of falsehood doesn’t exist. No one is capable of telling a lie, and everyone speaks their minds no matter how harsh the truth is. Mark Bellison (Gervais) is a down on his luck screenwriter who after getting fired from his job, and evicted from his apartment comes up with the first lie. He uses his new found ability to manipulate the general public, become filthy rich, and win the affections of the lovely Anna McDoogles (Garner). The only problem is even with the gift of gab he can’t lie his way into Anna’s heart, or gain the genuine respect of his colleagues because his success is based on a sham.

The Good:

Ricky Gervais: The one thing that stood out about Gervais’ performance was his dramatic scenes. There were certain points in the film where the tone took a very dark turn and his character was forced to get serious and emotional. It was a totally different side of him that was exposed to the audience and he pulled it off beautifully.
The Setting: The film was set in an alternate reality, so everything from the city billboards, to the offices had to be bland and straight forward. The set design was very one dimensional, but it worked for the purpose of the story.
The Cameos: The best part of the film had to come from the many cameo appearances made by several talented actors. Edward Norton, Phillip Seymour Hoffman, Jason Bateman, and The Office and Extras co-star Stephen Merchant each popped in for various scenes.

The Bad:

Tina Fey: Tina Fey’s role could have been given to any no name actress in Hollywood without a shadow of a doubt. She starred as Mark’s snarky secretary Shelley, and pretty much played a watered down version of Liz Lemon mixed with her news anchor personality from Saturday Night Live’s Weekend Update.
Religious Undertone: The film is marketed as a comedy, but has some serious religious themes that play alongside the story. There’s an entire bit dedicated to the origin of heaven and hell, what’s considered good or bad, and the daily responsibilities of “the man in the sky.” No matter what your spiritual position is, the subtext comes off like bad propaganda.

The Overall:

The Invention of Lying isn’t a terrible film, but it’s not a typical comedy. There are a lot of self-reflective moments that occur during the movie, so if you do plan on seeing it, prepare for your laugh to be followed by a hefty cry.

Rating: 6.5/10

The Invention of Lying in playing in theaters everywhere nationwide.

ScreenCrave.com » ricky gervais

The Artist, The Descendents and The Help Lead The Golden Globe Nominations for 2012

Related Posts

Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant Start Production on New Series, Watch Teaser

Related Posts

More Guest Stars for The Office’s Season Finale

Related Posts

Ricky Gervais and Will Arnett Guest on The Office Season Finale

Related Posts

Ricky Gervais Will Appear on NBC’s The Office

Related Posts

Ricky Gervais, Emily Blunt, Mickey Rooney Join The Muppets

Related Posts

Ricky Gervais Returning to Host 2011 Golden Globes

Related Posts

HBO Renews The Ricky Gervais Show

Related Posts

New DVD Releases: The Invention Of Lying, Che, Weeds

FEATURE FILMS

The Invention of Lying

Che

TV ON DVD

Related Posts

Photos From Ricky Gervais’ Cemetery Junction

Related Posts

Ricky Gervais to Host Golden Globes

Related Posts

The Invention of Lying: Movie Review

The Players:

The Plot:

The Good:

The Bad:

The Overall:

Rating: 6.5/10

Related Posts