The Four-Faced Liar (2010) Reviews

• It's the name of a bar

  Red-1252010-11-06

  The Four-Faced Liar (2010) was directed by Jacob Chase. Marja Lewis Ryan, the film's writer, is also the star. She plays Bridget, a lesbian who is quirky, foul-mouthed, and very successful at one-night conquests. Todd Kubrak is Trip, Bridget's roommate and best friend. Daniel Carlisle (Greg) has just joined his fiancée Molly (Emily Peck) in the West Village. One of them sees their neighborhood as colorful and charming, while the other sees is as unpleasant and threatening. Everyone hangs out in a bar called The Four-Faced Liar, and the four of them, along with Trip's fiancée, have a more or less "Friends" type existence, with alcohol substituted for caffeine. This was an interesting film, with good acting and a solid sense of New York City. It didn't really work for me because the key to the plot is Bridget, and I couldn't believe that this irritating chain-smoker would be perceived as every lesbian's dream lover. If you can't accept Bridget as what she's supposed to be, the rest of the film loses steam. Still, the movie had its moments, and the next viewer might find it as charming as it's meant to be. We saw the film at the Little Theatre as part of the excellent ImageOut Rochester Lesbian and Gay Film Festival. It should work well on DVD.

• A well written, enjoyable film that's worth watching.

  blackphone1232012-02-11

  My summary for this review pretty much takes the cake as far as reviews go. There's not much more to say because this film is not an epic tale like...well, has there ever been a romantic- comedy with a lesbian twist that has been epic? Maybe there's one out there that holds true and strong to you personally, however the whole coming of age, finding yourself, with lesbianism on top- genre is not in grip of the main commercial audience. This is a humble, down to earth film with a low budget that successfully tells a story with an ending that is both endearing and realistic. The movie keeps you engaged and moves you through it until the end. It is well written, well cast and well directed which is amazing. For those of you who appreciate film, you should watch this.

• Attractive cast and well-made on a low budget

  preppy-32010-11-25

  This involves four 20 somethings in NYC. Womanizing lesbian Bridget (Marja Lewis Ryan) lives with her str8 roommate Trip (Todd Kubrak). He's having problems with his girlfriend Chloe (Liz Osborne). Greg (Daniel Carlisle) and Molly (Emily Peck) are living together before they get married...but Greg is too mild-mannered and Molly wants more. They all meet at a bar called Four Faced Liar. They become friends but then Molly falls in love with Bridget and things get unpleasant. As I said the cast is attractive (especially Carlisle) and it's well done...but there's nothing really new or extraordinary here. The story has been done before and, in a lot of ways, this just seems like an ordinary Hollywood movie with a lesbian twist. We almost constantly hear some song on the soundtrack while watching the characters react to something. Seriously--that's been done hundreds of times before and this adds nothing new. However I must admit the songs were good. Also good is the script--it's well-written and interesting and it had an ending that no Hollywood studio would touch. The acting was all good--especially by Ryan and Kubrak. Carlisle does wonders with a very hard role. His character had to always be laid-back and passive--but you see the sadness and anger in his eyes. When he blows up at the end it's shocking--as it should be. No great shakes but worth seeing. Not rated but it would get an R for language and some discreet lesbian sex scenes. BTW--the cover of the DVD suggests that this is a sex movie and it isn't. No nudity here at all but it comes close a few times. I give it a 7.

• Hugely underrated, excellent movie

  beryl_shepley-brandhorst2011-07-06

  Excellent, surprisingly underrated movie. I'm guessing the low rating has something to do with homophobic reviewers? Either way, a really fabulous movie that has more to do with finding who you are, and less to do with being gay. Certainly better than most of the shallow, name- dropping big screen releases of the day. The character development is supreme, and the dynamic between the two leading ladies is intense. Their connection is palpable, and its hard not to relate to their friendship, love, and yes, lust. The themes presented in this movie are universal, and it is clear that a lot of hard work and love went into the project on the part of the filmmakers (who are in fact the characters themselves)

• A poignant look at the hilarity of love

  jessa6272010-05-31

  The four faced liar was smart, funny and pregnant with emotion. Opening her audience to the realities of a changed generation, Ryan tells the story of what love can truly be like for twenty-somethings everywhere. The production was fantastic and acting first rate. Each 'face' of this film is beautifully constructed and skillfully executed. The acting is fantastically truthful- the actors draw you into their lives and make it difficult to turn away. The film unfolds wonderfully leaving you excited for scene after scene. It boggles my mind how professional a film could turn out on such tight budget. It truly is a testament to the skill of the cast and crew. I look forward to future works from everyone in this production! Intellectually hysterical and stinging with passion, this film can't be missed!