Liar Liar (PG-13, 1997)

common sense media says

Carrey's mugging glosses over some tough issues.


parents & educators say
  • 38% say language is an issue

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this film contains strong language and a scene in which a character beats himself up very badly. There is also a seduction scene, though without any nudity or actual sex.

Positive messages: Not applicable.
Violence: A character beats himself up quite violently.
Sex: A seduction scene, though without any nudity or actual sex. A sexual joke or two.
Language: Some strong language.
Consumerism: Not applicable.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Not applicable.

More on Liar Liar

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
Families can talk about lying and how it affects people. When Fletcher was telling lies he got into a certain kind of trouble, but when he had to tell the truth, he found trouble of a different sort. Is it ever okay to lie?

What's the story?

What's the story?
Jim Carrey is a funny guy, and in LIAR LIAR he gives a funny performance as Fletcher Reede, a lawyer who gets through life by telling many lies. Some of them are little white lies, like complimenting his not-so-attractive coworkers on their appearance. Some are bigger, like getting his petty criminal clients out of trouble. But the worst lies he tells are to his son Max, who he's neglecting for work. Max's birthday wish is that his father will be rendered incapable of lying for one day, and the wish comes true. Fletcher is completely unable to lie, throwing his professional and personal lives into utter chaos.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 
The moral is pretty easy to grasp -- it's better to tell the truth than to lie. But in the rush to get to the happy ending, the film avoids the more complex issues involved. For example, when Fletcher tells his coworkers what he really thinks of them, he insults and hurts them, and his adoring secretary walks out on him (though later she walks back -- this is a comedy, after all). But that gets swept aside as Fletcher tries to stop his ex-wife from moving to Boston with her new boyfriend and Max.

In fact, the whole premise boils down to Fletcher telling Max he loves him, something we've never really doubted. Basically, this is a vehicle for Carrey, and he runs with it, doing his usual impressive rubber-bodied antics and clearly improvising quite a bit of the comedy. It's entertaining but ultimately rather hollow.

Movie themes & details

Movie Details
Studio: Universal Pictures
Director: Tom Shadyac
Cast: Jim Carrey, Justin Cooper, Maura Tierney
Genre: Comedy
Run time: 97 minutes
Theatrical release: March 21, 1997
DVD release: December 31, 1999
MPAA Rating: PG-13
MPAA explanation: strong language and sexual situations

This review was written by Sarah Wenk
 
 

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What parents & educators say

12
Based on 8 parent & educator reviews:
  • 38% say language is an issue

Most useful reviews by all members

TVDude250
teen, 14 years old
 
This was really funny.
I say it is a great movie for family. Just one small bad scene where a couple are having sex on a tape. Other than that, It was a great movie. 4 Stars.

pandaluv2357
teen, 15 years old
 

 
If you love comedy, you will love this!!
This movie is hilarious!!

NoahRocks
teen, 13 years old
 
Funny but a little bad!
The movie is hilarious. But they say s___ and d___ alot.

CSM Screen ...
teen, 17 years old
 
FUNNY MOVIE!

Poison Ivey
teen, 17 years old
 
HILARIOUS!!!!!!!!
this is hands down my most favorite jim carrey movie. I love him!!!! there is a sex scene, but its no more suggestive than any other of his movies. there is also some very explicit noises on a tape recorder. other than that its so funny whether you like or dislike jim carrey you cant miss it!!

Censor
kid, 13 years old
 
Liar Liar has really bad language and sex for a PG - 13 movie .

 
Yellow Light for Sure
I remember seeing it BC with my husband (Before Children) and thought it was hilarious. What I didn't remember was the liberal dose of profanity and running stream of sexual references. I wish I had read the common sense media review, before renting it. Are my kids worse off for seeing it? No. Did they laugh? Yes. I recommend you proceed with caution...

jazzyjammrz
teen, 18 years old
 
fun movie!
This is such a good movie! the recording in the courtroom is the kind of thing you may what to cover little kids ears for, but other than that there is really nothing too bad. Good for 11+!

bunnyluver12
teen, 15 years old
 
lovee this movie!!!!!!
another awesome movie with Jim Carrey i love him!!!! and its appropriate if ur id knows a little bit about sex soooo yeaaaa

SeanWeb.com
teen, 17 years old
 
Lies Become The Truth And Causes Mayhem. Brilliant.
This is a good movie. Jim Carrey is always great and this is one of his masterpieces. Though there was one sexual thing that I think they could have removed. In court they played an audio tape with graphic sex noises going on, which still disturbs me to this day. But other than that, it didn't need anymore changes. Jim goes a little crazy and psycho at parts and that always cracks me up. Language is used often and there is one use of the middle finger, and that's the most offending. There is a lot of sexual content and dialogue and it will make you laugh hard, guaranteed. So if you enjoy comedies, then see this movie.

Jadenp
teen, 15 years old
 
Suggested MPAA Rating: PG-13 for sexual humor and some language

nduns
adult
 
First of all...
Chobitgirl, this movie's rated PG-13. What made you think it was a kid's movie? Furthermore, if you're a kid, why are you labeled as an adult viewer? Are you just trying to be a troll or something? Now that that's out of the way, on with the actual review: This is actually my favorite Jim Carrey movie. Not only is it the same overthetop hilarity we expect from the guy, but it also tells a heartwarming story of a father's relationship with his son. People like CS seem to let Carrey's antics erase that fact from their minds and that shouldn't be the case. If you're looking for a good comedy, I'd highly recommend this.

mnmluvr
teen, 17 years old
 
Typical Jim Carey
I mean, there was some stuff in it that just wasn't funny because it was just so over the top. That's who Jim Carey is.

movieman12
kid, 11 years old
 
OK 4 Tweens
Its OK for Tween

 
Skip it
There are better things to do with your time- like reading a book!

Spielberg00
teen, 14 years old
 
Not all that great; barely earns a PG-13, in my book.
My rating: PG-13 for some language including a few sexual references, a scene involving brief sensuality and another scene of mild comic violence.

LoveOwenWilson
teen, 15 years old
 
kids and teens...but censored!
Jim Carrey is very funny and proved those who say that very right once again!! love this movie and if others do too....they should watch 'Bruce Almighty' :) hahaha!!!

KennyMcCormick
teen, 13 years old
 
Another Great Jim Carrey Movie!
Funny movie! Good for 7+

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ON: Content is appropriate for kids this age.
PAUSE: Know your child, some content may not be right for some kids
OFF: Not age appropriate for kids this age