🎯 Quick Overview
Trailer
- Director: Tom Shadyac
- Genre: Comedy, Fantasy
- Release year: 1997
- Runtime (length): 1h 26min
- IMDb rating: 6.9/10 (346K votes)
- Rotten Tomatoes: 81%
😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained
A lawyer’s kid wishes his dad would stop lying, and suddenly the lawyer can’t lie, leading to the most awkward courtroom scenes ever because, like, lawyers are *supposed* to lie, man.
🍿 Liar Liar: Detailed Plot Synopsis
Introduction: A Liar’s Life
Fletcher Reede (Jim Carrey) is a successful lawyer known for his persuasive arguments, built primarily on lies. He’s also a divorced dad who frequently breaks promises to his son, Max (Justin Cooper), prioritizing his career. This pattern of dishonesty strains his relationship with his ex-wife, Audrey (Maura Tierney), who is considering moving to Boston with her new boyfriend, Jerry.

The Birthday Wish
After Fletcher misses Max’s birthday party, Max makes a birthday wish that his dad cannot lie for 24 hours. Magically, the wish comes true. Fletcher finds himself in increasingly awkward and hilarious situations as he’s forced to speak the truth, no matter how inappropriate or damaging it might be. This newfound honesty throws his personal and professional life into chaos.

Courtroom Chaos
The timing of Max’s wish couldn’t be worse. Fletcher has a crucial case to win to make partner at his firm. Now, he has to defend Samantha Cole (Jennifer Tilly), a woman he knows is guilty of infidelity, in a divorce case. Forced to be truthful, Fletcher struggles to maintain his composure and win the case, leading to uproarious scenes in the courtroom as he battles his compulsion to lie.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained
🎬 Cast & Characters
- Fletcher Reede (Jim Carrey): A fast-talking lawyer and habitual liar who is magically forced to tell the truth for 24 hours, leading to chaos in his personal and professional life.
- Max Reede (Justin Cooper): Fletcher’s young son who wishes his father couldn’t lie for a day, triggering the film’s central conflict.
- Audrey Reede (Maura Tierney): Fletcher’s ex-wife and Max’s mother who is considering moving to Boston with her new boyfriend due to Fletcher’s unreliability.
- Miranda (Amanda Donohoe): A senior partner at Fletcher’s law firm who tempts him with a partnership in exchange for winning a high-profile case, exacerbating his lying habits.
- Samantha Cole (Jennifer Tilly): Fletcher’s client, a gold digger, whose case is complicated by Fletcher’s inability to lie.
- Jerry (Cary Elwes): Audrey’s kind and supportive boyfriend who offers her and Max a stable life in Boston, creating a potential family separation.
- Greta (Anne Haney): Fletcher’s long-suffering secretary who eventually recognizes his transformation and helps him.
💬 Memorable Quotes
- Fletcher: “I object!” – Fletcher shouts this in court, then immediately realizes he has no basis for the objection, hilariously struggling to find a legitimate reason.
- Fletcher: “Your Honor, I object! Counsel is leading the witness!” – Fletcher is in the court with Jennifer Tilly and attempts to lie but cannot, leading to physical comedy and a bizarre outburst.
- Fletcher: “I’ve had better!” – Fletcher blurts this out after sleeping with his boss Miranda, much to her dismay, as he is unable to lie due to Max’s wish.
- Max: “I wish for just one day, Dad couldn’t tell a lie.” – This is the pivotal wish that sets the entire plot in motion, as it causes Fletcher’s life to descend into hilarious chaos.
💰Box Office
- Budget: $45,000,000
- Domestic Gross: $181,410,615
- Worldwide Gross: $302,710,615
💥 Liar Liar Reviews
Personal Review
Okay, ‘Liar Liar’ is one of those movies I grew up watching, and it still cracks me up! Jim Carrey at his best. The scene in the bathroom where he’s fighting himself? Classic! I love how over-the-top it is, but it also has this sweet message about being honest and being there for your kids. The movie makes me laugh and feel happy everytime I watch it.
- Who would enjoy:
- “Fans of Jim Carrey’s physical comedy”
- “Viewers who appreciate lighthearted comedies with a heartwarming message”
- “Anyone looking for a fun and entertaining movie about family and honesty”
- Content warnings ⚠:
- “Suggestive humor and language”
- “Some mild violence (mostly comedic)”
- “Brief sexual innuendo”
Professional Reviews
- Rotten Tomatoes: “Jim Carrey’s manic energy is perfectly suited to the high-concept premise, delivering a laugh-out-loud funny performance that’s also surprisingly heartwarming. The movie itself is a bit predictable, but Carrey elevates it with his physical comedy and genuine emotion. The plot is light and enjoyable, and the supporting cast is well-suited to the genre.
- Common Sense Media: “Liar Liar is hilarious for older kids and adults but too racy for the younger set. Jim Carrey’s comedic performance is great, with tons of slapstick and laugh-out-loud scenes. However, the movie includes some mature themes and language, so it’s best for a teen/adult audience.
- Empire Magazine: “Carrey is superb in this movie, making it both a great comedy and a family film. The concept is original and the plot allows the director to explore many themes with hilarious effect. The cast does a fantastic job playing off of Carey’s wild character. Liar Liar is a hilarious, well-directed film that will have you laughing to the end.
Audience Reactions
Jim Carrey’s physical comedy is top-notch and makes the movie endlessly rewatchable.: Viewers praised the film for its genuinely funny moments, especially the courtroom scenes and Jim Carrey’s ability to deliver slapstick comedy with heart.
The movie strikes a great balance between comedy and heartfelt moments about family and honesty.: Many appreciated the film’s underlying message about the importance of being truthful and being present for your children.
Overall Consensus: ‘Liar Liar’ is a classic Jim Carrey comedy that still holds up thanks to its clever premise, over-the-top humor, and surprisingly touching message.
Awards
- Golden Globe Award (Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy)- 1998
🛠️ Behind the Scenes
- “Jim Carrey ad-libbed many of his lines, especially during the courtroom scene. Director Tom Shadyac allowed him significant creative freedom to improvise.”
- “The gag of Fletcher chasing his son as ‘The Claw’ was something Carrey’s father used to do to him and his siblings in real life.”
- “Several outtakes are shown during the end credits, highlighting the comedic energy and improvisational nature of the filming process.”
🖥️ How to Watch Liar Liar?
Liar Liar is widely available on streaming platforms and for purchase. You can find it on platforms like Prime Video, Apple TV, and Vudu for rental or purchase. Check your local listings for availability as it may vary by region. You can also find physical copies (DVD/Blu-ray) at major retailers like Amazon and Best Buy.

🎥 Similar Movies
If you enjoyed Liar Liar, you might like these similar films:
- Bruce Almighty (2003): Also starring Jim Carrey and directed by Tom Shadyac, features a similar high-concept premise with comedic results.
- Big (1988): Features a child making a wish that dramatically alters an adult’s life, exploring themes of responsibility and growing up.
- The Mask (1994): Another Jim Carrey comedy that relies on physical humor and a fantastical element to drive the plot.
- What Women Want (2000): A man gains the ability to hear women’s thoughts, leading to comedic situations and a deeper understanding of relationships.
🛒 Liar Liar Related Products
- Liar Liar (Blu-ray): Own the classic comedy on Blu-ray with enhanced picture and sound quality. A must-have for Jim Carrey fans and collectors.
- Jim Carrey: The Majestic Journey of Stardom: Explore Jim Carrey’s biography and career with exclusive interviews, behind-the-scenes footage, and rare photos. Available for digital download.
- The Claw T-Shirt: Show your love for the movie with this T-shirt featuring Fletcher Reede doing ‘The Claw.’ Made with high-quality, comfortable material.
- Customizable ‘Liar Liar’ Movie Poster: Get a high-quality ‘Liar Liar’ movie poster, customizable with your favorite quote from the film. Printed on premium archival paper.
🎧 Soundtrack
Liar Liar features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:
- “Can’t Smile Without You” – performed by Barry Manilow
- “It’s All Right” – performed by The Impressions
- “Push It” – performed by Salt-N-Pepa
You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.
🤨 FAQ
Liar Liar was primarily filmed in Los Angeles, California, with key scenes shot at Universal Studios.
The core message of Liar Liar emphasizes the importance of honesty, especially in relationships, and the value of prioritizing family over career. It shows the consequences of dishonesty and the potential for redemption.
Liar Liar was directed by Tom Shadyac, who also directed other popular Jim Carrey comedies like Ace Ventura: Pet Detective and Bruce Almighty.
Liar Liar carries a PG-13 rating, suggesting some material may be unsuitable for younger children. It contains some suggestive humor and language, so parental guidance is advised.
🔥 Bonus Content
You can always rely on Jim Carrey for giving us passion. | Liar Liar #shorts
Prepare to be impressed by Jim Carrey’s hilarious antics in this brief yet captivating clip from Liar Liar. His physical comedy will leave you in stitches!
This Comedy Proved Jim Carrey Was A Dramatic Actor
Discover how Liar Liar became a turning point in Jim Carrey’s career, proving that he’s not just a comedic genius but also a skilled dramatic actor.
Why Jim Carrey Is One Of The Only Actors You Can’t Replace
Don’t miss this insightful discussion on what makes Jim Carrey one of a kind in the entertainment industry. His exceptional comedic skills are truly something to behold.
✨ Rate
There are no reviews yet. Be the first one to write one.