Common Sense Media Review
Really likeable family comedy set in cutthroat Hollywood.
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Big Fat Liar
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 11 parent reviews
Based on 31 kid reviews
Kids say this film is a hilarious and entertaining family-friendly comedy that imparts valuable lessons about honesty and the consequences of lying, featuring lovable characters and engaging storylines. While it contains some mild language and comedic violence, the prevalent message about truth-telling resonates well with viewers of all ages, making it a recommended watch for families.
- funny and entertaining
- teaches honesty
- family-friendly
- mild language
- engaging storylines
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
After getting caught in one of his many elaborate lies, eighth-grader Jason (Frankie Muniz) is given a tight deadline to turn in his homework, or go to summer school. He writes a story called "Big Fat Liar," but as he races to get it in on time, he collides with a car driven by an even bigger liar, Hollywood producer Marty Wolf (Paul Giamattti). In a mix up, Jason loses his paper in Wolf's car, and no one believes that he really did write the story. Summer comes, and so does Marty Wolf's movie called "Big Fat Liar." Jason sets out to prove to his parents that he really was telling the truth. He spends his savings to get to Los Angeles with his friend Kaylee (Amanda Bynes). The kids scam their way into Wolf's office, but Wolf refuses to tell the truth. So Jason and Kaylee, along with a growing group of fellow Wolf-haters, set up a series of pranks designed to torture Wolf into admitting that Jason wrote the story for his new movie.
Is It Any Good?
Muniz and Giamatti are deft comic actors in BIG FAT LIAR, but the highlight of the movie is Bynes as Kaylee. Her two different but equally hilarious renditions of Hollywood secretaries are gems. Giamatti is so relentlessly selfish and egotistical that it gets a bit tedious, but he does do a wonderful little dance to "Hungry Like a [what else?] Wolf."
One small bright spot worth mentioning is that all of Jason's efforts are intended to show that he was telling the truth. His motive for pursuing Wolf is never getting any money or credit for his story. Another strength of the movie is its racially diverse cast.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about why people lie and how it feels not to be trusted. When someone is caught in a lie, how can he or she regain the trust of those who have been disappointed?
Would you like to see the movie based on Jason's story? What do you think it would be like?
Do you think Frankie Muniz and Amanda Bynes have made a successful transition to movies after being stars of their own TV shows?
Movie Details
- In theaters : February 8, 2002
- On DVD or streaming : September 24, 2002
- Cast : Amanda Bynes , Frankie Muniz , Paul Giamatti
- Director : Shawn Levy
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Universal Pictures
- Genre : Family and Kids
- Topics : Adventures
- Run time : 88 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : vulgar language
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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