From the strange mind of Joe Eszterhas comes the not so strange TELLING LIES IN AMERICA. The film stars Kevin Bacon as popular '60's disk jockey, Billy Magic, who becomes the subject of an FBI investigation when he accepts illegal pay-offs from record companies to make hits of their record singles. The movie is seen throught the eyes of a seventeen year old (Brad Renfro from the Client and Sleepers) who idolizes Billy, and who later becomes his right hand man. Eventually, the impressionable teen begins to see through his hero's conniving ways and is forced to either continue being the big shot around town or to 'do the right thing'.
TELLING LIES IN AMERICA is not a complex film. There are no intense or heart-wrenching moments. What it is exactly is a sweet and touching film that will make you feel good when leaving the theatre. And coming from the pen of Joe Eszterhaus (Basic Instints, Showgirls), that's not a bad thing.
As you would expect, there are alot of '50's and '60's music. Sometimes a little too much. One original song that got a big audience reaction was "Medium Rare"; a cute song written by Kevin Bacon himself.
The performances are fine, and the direction is fair. At times, TELLING LIES IN AMERICA felt a little like AN AFTERSCHOOL SPECIAL. But the unexpected ending makes up for it.
The film will not likely be a huge commercial hit; however, the classic '50's and '60's music and Bacon's star power should make it a moderate success.
Director Guy Ferland and Kevin Bacon were in attendance. They both answered a number of audience questions. I got a chance to briftly meet Bacon after the screening. He was cool and very patient with the crowd; especially when he was trapped in the crowded theatre aisle when exciting the theatre.
