lip service (noun)

1. The painting appeared to depict a peaceful scene, but it was just lip service as the artist failed to address the underlying social issues.

2. The movie started off with lip service, portraying a normal family, but soon turned into a terrifying nightmare.

3. The characters in the cartoon show often paid lip service to their friends, but they hardly ever followed through with their promises.

4. In the novel, the protagonist's lip service towards justice was exposed when he made a decision that favored his own self-interest.