Lies and Alibis Reviews

Honestly, since it is a rather obscure flick, I had no idea what to expect from it but since I always had a weak spot for Steven Coogan, I was quite eager to check it out. Indeed, each time I watch a movie with Steve Coogan, each time, I find him really hilarious which is something really rare since I’m usually quite critical about comedies in general. The weird thing is that he basically plays the same guy each time around but, honestly, I don't really care and he must be one of the funniest actors around right now. Anyway, I would watch anything starring this guy and this movie is a good example. Indeed, the story was alright but it was still nothing original and it was rather predictable. It's too bad because Coogan was quite amazing as usual and he did deserve a better plot than this. Concerning Rebecca Romijn, she looked quite stunning as usual, but, to be honest, I’m not sure she was really convincing as some supposedly smart woman. Still, in spite of its flaws, it remains a decent comedy and I think it is worth a look, especially if you are interested in Steve Coogan’s work.

Prelude76's review actually summarizes the story rather well.

I'd like to add that I didn't expect this to be as good as it turned out to be. I expected a rather low-quality comedy (as in a B movie if not worse), but the acting, directing and dialogue was surprisingly well done.

I love Brolin, and Coogan is in fact to be discovered.
It is interesting to note that Jerry O'Connell has such a small role at the beginning that one must wonder why his name is even up here in the actors' credits. It's as though he had a leading or supporting role, he doesn't, it's merely a cameo appearance of 5 minutes if that.

Still a recommended movie for all murder/mystery/comedy lovers.

The film has a great storyline and quite a few comic elements and memorable quotes are found throughout this murder-mystery. Steve plays as an ex-mobster/con man who goes into a unique business that caters to the rich and powerful that want guarantees not be caught when they cheat on their husbands/wives. They pay him generously, and he and his team spin a web of lies and provide ironclad covers and alibis to keep their spouses from ever discovering their infidelities.

Business is good, and he recently hires a smart woman (Romjin) to help bring 'more brains' to his operations, but soon starts falling for her when he finds out she's brilliant AND sexy. It takes a bit before the plot gets introduced to the audience, but basically one of Steve's top clients, played by James Brolin, asks him to help out his son whose getting married but also has a mistress on the side. I guess like father, like son. Steve gives the son his own identity to help keep the fiancee off track, but when he gets a call at 3am from the son saying he accidentally killed his mistress during some rough S&M play, Steve needs to work his magic, not only to protect his business and client, but also his life, since some detectives as well as the dead girl's gang-member boyfriend are linking him with the girl's disappearance. And to further complicate things, Steve's past catches up with him as he finds out there is a $5 million bounty on the head of his former mob boss.

The plot is a lot more involved than typical hollywood fluff that's been dumbed down to the common denominator, and as such this film may require 2 or so viewings before all the twists and turns start to make sense. But for any fans of murder-mystery films that slso have some good dry humour in the mix, make sure to check out this hidden gem. And the film also showed me just how talented Steve Coogan is, and I'm going to look for his other films as well.