Writer finds upside of lying

Available on DVD this week:

“The Invention of Lying”: In an alternate reality where no one, including politicians, tells lies, a writer realizes that fibbing is advantageous. With Ricky Gervais, Jennifer Garner, Jonah Hill. (1:39; PG-13 for profanity including some sexual material and a drug reference.) ••1/2

“Pandorum”: Two astronauts aboard a spaceship awaken from a deep sleep without any knowledge of who they are or why they’re in space. With Dennis Quaid, Ben Foster, Norman Reedus. (1:48; R for strong horror violence and profanity) ••1/2

“Whiteout”: A U.S. marshal assigned to Antarctica investigates the discovery of a dead body in the middle of nowhere. With Kate Beckinsale, Gabriel Macht, Columbus Short. (1:41; R for violence, grisly images, brief strong profanity and some nudity) •1/2

“Gamer”: Prisoners controlled by human gamers battle each other for sport until an inmate decides to rebel. With Gerard Butler, Amber Valetta, Michael C. Hall, Kyra Sedgwick. (1:35; R for frenetic sequences of strong brutal violence throughout, sexual content, nudity and profanity) •