So- three silly comedies over the past few days. Quick thoughts:

1. The Invention of Lying: The story of a parallel universe where no one lies, and one man (Ricky Gervais) discovers that he can. It takes its premise to its logical conclusion, which is usually funny. Especially funny if you like Ricky Gervais. Also, half-way through the movie, it reinvents itself as the invention of religion, which helps the premise remain funny until the end. Oh, and most of the movie was shot here in Lowell, Mass.
   The number of really top notch cameos in this movie is staggering– Edward Norton, Philip Seymour Hoffman,  Jason Bateman, Jeffrey Tambor, Tina Fey, John Hodgman. And, obviously, Stephen Merchant.
2. Hot Tube Time Machine: A little bit of funny and a little bit of nostalgia. Movies about the ’80s are probably better than the real thing. Part super gross out comedy, part male bonding comedy, and part nostalgia, which makes it Back to the Future crossed with The Hangover. And the Back to the Future connection is acknowledged- Crispin Glover shows up in the past and the present. And the recurring joke with his hand is inspired.
3. I Love You, Man: Paul Rudd and Jason Segel star as really, really good friends. The movie is fine in general, but the writers have a very keen sense of the weird rituals of adult men trying to become friends. Especially the non-bar/sports men of this world. And there are many of us.

So there you have it. Three comedies, all good, none great. All worth the price of admission.