BIG FAT LIAR
Released: February 8, 2002
First starring role from Paul Giamatti who you may recall as Pig Vomit from the Howard Stern bio pic "Private Parts". He's played a few good support roles in flicks like "The Truman Show", "The Negotiator", "Man On The Moon" and "Big Mama's House" but it's "Big Fat Liar" that lets him get prime screen time. This is also the first major role for TV's "Malcolm In The Middle" kid star Frankie Muniz. Also along for the lightweight but enjoyable ride are Amanda Bynes and Amanda Detmer. After a young boy's (Muniz) school essay erroneously finds its way into the hands of a Hollywood producer (Giamatti) who turns the idea into a hit film, the boy travels to Los Angeles to claim his credit. Despite its basic premise, I found myself chuckling a few times throughout "Big Fat Liar". It may not win an Oscar but for fun, light viewing on a rainy evening, this would be a fine rental for the whole family. If anything, it's educational. It sure illustrates what Hollywood can be like and could actually discourage kids from flocking there thinking they'll be the next Brad Pitt or Julia Roberts... Watch out for cameos from the Six Million Dollar Man himself, Lee Majors. Nice to see him in acting again!
98 Minutes
Universal