By: debbie lynn elias
Starring the irrepressible Frankie Muniz as 14 year old Jason Shepherd, “Big Fat Liar” is a life lesson about telling that “little white lie” that so many of us are guilty of doing throughout our lifetimes. Jason’s lies, however, far surpass the “dog ate my homework” routine and over time have evolved into dramatic, artistic performances entangling friends and family alike and unfortunately, when he finally does tell the truth, no one will believe him.
Faced with the prospect of summer school due to his failure to write his English composition, Jason is given one final chance at redemption – write the paper, by hand, and deliver it to his teacher by 6:00 p.m. Writing about what he knows best, a boy who is a big fat liar, Jason completes his masterpiece and rushes off to make his deadline. As movie luck would have it, our bicycling hero is struck enroute by a limousine carrying none other than that infamous sleazoid Hollywood producer, Marty “The Wolfman” Wolf who is in town on a film shoot. Wolf begrudgingly gives Jason a lift to school where Jason discovers his masterpiece is missing. Naturally, neither his parents or teacher believe his incredulous story about writing the paper, rushing to deliver it, being struck by a limo, meeting Marty Wolf and obviously leaving the paper in the limo after his backpack contents spilled on its floor, and thus, Jason is faced with the complete loss of his father’s trust. Not an easy pill to swallow.
Some months later, Jason begins to see movie trailers for the Wolfman’s latest film – Big Fat Liar – and his 14 year old wheels start turning. Realizing that Wolf has stolen his story, together with his girlfriend Kaylee, who is always up for an adventure, they set off for a long weekend in Hollywood, determined to hook up with Wolf and force him to call Jason’s father to confirm the veracity of Jason’s sad homework tale. Simple, right? Not a chance. Thanks to a series of intricate lies and deceptions (naturally), Jason and Kaylee manage to see Wolf who refuses to acknowledge the theft of Jason’s story. Jason, determined to regain his father’s trust, then sets out for revenge with a campaign laced with military precision, enlisting the aid of those in Hollywood who have been wronged and stomped on by the Wolf.
Paul Giametti IS the movie with his portrayal of Wolf. Epitomizing the concept of “big fat liar,” Giametti plays Wolf with all the egomaniacal tendencies, neuroses, borderline psychoses, sarcasm, greed, nastiness and smug satisfaction humanly possible. The result is a character so hateful and spiteful you can’t help but cheer, laugh and smile at each vengeful, comical antic and practical joke undertaken by Jason. Amanda Bynes, in her big screen debut, is delightful as Kaylee, while Amanda Detmer has crackerjack comic timing and deadpan delivery as Wolf’s beleaguered assistant, Monty. A nice cameo by Jaleel White, best known as everyone’s favorite nerd Steve Urkel, adds a clever touch of sarcasm and comedy.
Not to be overlooked, the Unknown Stuntman himself (aka The Six Million Dollar Man), Lee Majors is a joy to see as the much insulted and ridiculed stunt coordinator on Wolf’s latest picture. While proving that “grandpa” still has what it takes to make it in the stunt business, Majors shows the audience that he’s still got what it takes to make hearts go aflutter. And let’s not forget the very well placed promotional nods to my favorite fall guys, The Stuntmen’s Association.
Set primarily on the Universal Studios backlot, “Big Fat Liar” is a walking advertisement for the Universal tour and is pure movie magic. What kid, or adult, wouldn’t like the chance to hide out in the wardrobe and prop department of a major studio, play dress up, play with cool special effects gizmos and camp out with ET, the Mummy, and Harry and the Hendersons! Even many of my fondest memories come from that backlot.
Dan Schneider and Brian Robbins (probably best known as Dennis Blunden and Eric Mardian from their hit series from the ‘80’s, “Head of the Class,”), now taking film and television by storm with their producing, directing and writing skills, really move to the head of the class with their screenwriting talents here. Fast-paced, energetic, comedic, brassy and sassy, loud, exuberant, yet ultimately heartwarming, this story spells F-U-N from the word “go.” Clearly these two have kept the kids within them alive and well over the years.
Although aimed at kids, adults will find “Big Fat Liar” just as entertaining, giving them a chance to reacquaint themselves with their own “kid within.” Goofy, adorable and laughable. “Big Fat Liar” is one funny film.
