It won’t be long before the whole world notices Mark as one day he inadvertently tells the first lie in this world with unexpected and far-reaching consequences.

This is a likeable and entertaining film that probably would not have been made by Hollywood without Gervais’ direct involvement. As Mark, Gervais is allowed to play the usual self-effacing slightly bewildered and world-weary character he is usually comfortable with. What is more interesting is seeing Jennifer Garner and Rob Lowe playing for laughs as two very shallow people in a very shallow world.

I loved the adverts for Coke and Pepsi in this world as well as its films which are basically a stuffy narrator (played by ‘Spinal Taps’’ Christopher Guest) reading a script from a teleprompter. See without lying or fiction, there is no excitement or poetic licence to be taken, just the plain facts. The dialogue and exchanges between everyone in this world are amusing because of their total honesty and lack of subtlety and tact. If you have ever wondered what the world would be like without a little bending of the truth and diplomacy then this is pretty close!

Mark uses his new ‘gift’ to help himself financially (who wouldn’t?) and it is not long in a world of gullible dupes that he becomes rich and successful. He soon learns however that his new found wealth will not fix everything or make him happy, he also finds himself responsible for the world’s moral conscience, quite a weight for a ‘chubby, snub nosed screenwriter’ to bear!

With its references to culture, daily existence, advertising, success and failure as well as tackling prickly subjects like death and religion Gervais and co-writer Robinson have produced a bold and original romantic comedy. With strong support from Louis CK, Jonah Hill, Jeffrey Tambor and Tina Fey the viewer will easily buy into this different world. For a Gervais vehicle it is also surprisingly sentimental at times with an uplifting central message about happiness rather than superficial success. Maybe he is mellowing as he gets older? Not his best by a long margin but ‘The Invention of Lying’ is nevertheless a well-crafted and well executed ‘feel-good’ comedy.

With an impressive cast that boasts Michael Fassbender as Centurion Quintus Dias, Dominic West as General Titus Flavius Virilus and Olga Kurylenko as Etain this one looked to have a good pedigree. The supporting cast with David Morrisey, Liam Cunningham and Noel Clarke all help to ‘humanise’ and authenticate the Roman soldiers, who in less capable hands could have ended up being mere props or ciphers.

The locations are used to impressive effect and the cinematography is exceptional. The scenes in the forests of ancient Scotland are full of foreboding and suspense. When the action comes it is fast, bloody, brutal and graphic in true (director) Marshall Style. History buffs will not be the only ones who will enjoy this, let’s face it nothing is known of the fate of the Ninth Legion so the film can take plenty of poetic licence. But everything looks the part. It is a grubby, miserable world where the soldiers are not just up against a brutal unseen enemy using guerrilla tactics but also the unforgiving harsh climate and the elements.

Initially I felt that Kurylenko’s scout was a mere ‘token female’ and eye candy until things took an interesting twist and although her character is a mute she manages to convey plenty of menace and ferociousness.

There are a few weak moments such as the line ‘Whatever comes out of that mist lads you will hold the line.’ Howlers like that aside the action sequences are frenetic and the fear and desperation is palpable. This will certainly appeal to its target audience of teenage to thirtysomething males.

The theme of hunter becoming the hunted has been done before but in Marshall’s hands it is all done to good effect here. The strong acting makes you root for the survivors trapped behind enemy lines, essential to the films success. Conquest soon instead becomes a battle for survival and the suspense levels and the guessing game of who will make it back and who will perish helps to keep it watchable.

Among the blood guts and gore both sides of the coin are explored, with two distinct cultures colliding: The duty, honour and discipline of the Romans set against the more spiritual, fearless and primal Picts.

The themes explored here will resonate with modern audiences, particularly the notion of an Empire at war in a far flung land with its troops suffering the consequences of its political leaders ‘meddling in foreign affairs.’ The parallels with Vietnam and Afghanistan are not too hard to draw here.

Ultimately ‘Centurion’ is another impressive work from Marshall and crew; he has once again managed to craft a compelling story into an entertaining and uncompromising film about the fight for survival (again on a shoe-string budget). If you are a fan of war movies and sword and sandal epics then this one should tick all the right boxes for you.