Hungry for wealth Fletcher Reede (Jim Carrey) will stop at nothing to get partner or win his cases. When Miranda (Amanda Donohoe), one of the firm’s partners discovers Reede’s ability to lie to win a case, she puts him on a high profile divorce case. The trial happens to fall on the same day as Fletcher’s son Max’s (Justin Cooper) birthday. Fletcher tries to have a relationship with his son but ends up making empty promises that he can’t fulfill. Knowing that this is important to his son he promises to make to it his party.
Fletcher’s ex-wife Audrey (Maura Tierney) has recently found another man Jerry (Cary Elwes) who is trying to fill the missing father role in Max’s life. Although Audrey appreciates what Jerry can offer there doesn’t seem to be a love connection between the two of them.
Samanta Cole (Jennifer Tilly) becomes quite impressed with Fletcher when he meets with her regarding her divorce case. Miranda is equally impressed and promises him partner if he wins to big case. The two end up having quite a night together and Fletcher misses yet another important moment in Max’s life.
Max becomes so disappointed with his dad that he makes a wish that his dad can’t tell a lie for an entire day. Max’s wish is granted and this is where the movie gets quite funny. Because Fletcher can’t lie he is forced to answer every question he is asked honestly which makes his office and courtroom conversations quite humorous. Samantha’s court case gets extremely difficult however because Fletcher knows he is defending someone he doesn’t believe is being honest. He tries numerous times to get the trial postponed but is unable to lie about why he needs the case delayed.
During his day of honesty Fletcher realizes how important his son Max really is to him. Because of his careless attitude toward his son, Fletcher’s ex-wife Audrey has agreed to move to Boston with Jerry and take Max with her. Fletcher makes one final attempt to show his son how much he means to him in a wild scene which will make you laugh.
If you are looking for some laughs along with a great story check out Liar Liar. The message of the film is a good one and the characters were very well cast. This is one of the better Jim Carrey comedy movies as the role of Fletcher really suited his talents at physical comedy. Maura Tierney played off Carrey wonderfully and Justin Cooper did a remarkable acting job as Max. Justin Cooper was recognized for his role as Max being nominated for a Young Artists Award.
