The Good Liar (2019) User Reviews

great performances in an interesting film

[blanche-2 · 8/10 · 22 February 2020]

"The Good Liar" from 2019 stars Helen Mirren and Ian McKellan. Stop right there. You really can't go wrong with these two. The film also stars Russell Tovey, Jim Carter, and John Lewis Jones.

The story is derivative: a con man (McKellan) romances his mark (Mirren) in the hopes of getting her money, despite interference from her suspicious grandson (Tovey).

There are two twists, one expected, and one unexpected. I like this kind of film, so I'm not going to go into what's believable and what isn't. The performances sold me, and I found the movie very entertaining. Having seen a lot of "out there" Spanish mysteries and suspense films, this one was mild in comparison in terms of a realistic plot.

Not the most exciting film I've ever seen, but certainly a good one.

Somehow, its twists are both obvious and out of the blue.

[Pjtaylor-96-138044 · 6/10 · 11 November 2019]

'The Good Liar (2019)' is, in essence, nonsense, comprised of twists either far too obvious or completely out of the blue. Even though its marketing all but spoils its most major revelation, the flick still plays as a relatively unassuming drama until a final exposition dump aims to re-contextualise its plot, turning the affair into a pseudo thriller. Perhaps this is an effort to provoke a second viewing, but the movie doesn't have an ounce of ambiguity or, indeed, foreshadowing. It makes for a completely blindsiding ending that has little to no consequence because it feels so utterly disconnected from everything we've seen prior. The protagonist is suddenly transformed into something they never were before and we're just expected to accept it, to change allegiances at the last minute. This is a big ask and it makes for an unsatisfying end. Conceptually, it's fine, it's just that its execution doesn't capitalise on its potential. The picture isn't bad, though. It's forgettable and retroactively strained but it's engaging enough. The two leads are as good as you'd expect, playing ever-so-slightly against type and feeling comfortable while doing so. The actual writing is decent, if a little cheesy, and the direction is competent. There are a couple of OAP scuffles that work surprisingly well, too. Generally, it's relatively enjoyable throughout, despite some eye-rolling moments. It does feel a bit 'BBC 2' but it's not a bad effort, even though it's already fading from my memory. 6/10

A stellar cast holds a sub par plot

[jodo151-654-152490 · 7/10 · 8 November 2019]

It's not an overly bad film by any sense of the word, I actually enjoyed it a fair bit hence the 7 but I will echo that it was a fairly predictable job but the outstanding cast definitely carried it, I'd recommend it if your on the unlimited cinema deal or when it arrives to one of the multiple streaming services, good twist at the end

Interesting at times

[iamkeysersoze-13228 · 8 November 2019]

I am not good at reviewing.

The Good Liar was actually a decent surprise and a really good thriller even if it feels a little too heavily explained towards the end.

I thoroughly enjoyed this film from start to finish and I honestly really didn't expect that kid of twist even though I expected a twist and I'm glad I didn't see that coming. Ian Mckellen and Hellen Mirren are both great here, delivering two really great performances. I think the plot is fairly simple at it's core but the writing makes it very different to a very satisfying ending. Overall whilst it's an interesting film with two great performances and unexpected twists, I just expect more style and excitement in it.

Ticks alongs nicely

[muamba_eats_toast · 7/10 · 11 November 2019]

Moved along nicely with an exceptional cast despite the main twist being predictable from the outset before going to far fetched to counter its main predictability to end. Overall still enjoyed it thanks to the fantastic cast but the writing could have been a lot better.

The movie is pretty good... until it goes crazy.

[shimenpf · 6/10 · 22 December 2019]

The first half of the movie is quite engaging. The characters, what they do and their relationship with each other is pretty good. The goal of the protagonist, Roy, gets very clear as the story unfolds: to take money out of Betty. It follows the structure of a romantic movie, in which a flawed character meets someone special that slowly makes him change... then it goes all crazy. The third act is overcomplicated and the twist is completely unnecessary. Not only that, but it also lacks a prior set-up, so it feels like Betty's revelation comes out of nowhere, like made up. Some of the setups established earlier also lack a relevant set-up. For example, the Audi prowling around the house receives very little payoff in the end. It all turns too forced, and going down the more mainstream route would have been, in my opinion, the right route to go.

Berlin

[SnoopyStyle · 7/10 · 21 March 2021]

Betty McLeish (Helen Mirren) and Roy Courtnay (Ian McKellen) are on a first date after getting set up by an internet dating site. They seem to be nice elderly people on a nice date. Next, he's going into a strip club. He and his friend Vincent (Jim Carter) are recruiting other old men in a scam to steal from the Russians. Trusting Betty ignores her grandson Stephen's warnings against her new boyfriend.

From the strip club onwards, I always knew the title should be in plural. The question is how and why. The turning point is Berlin. I actually thought a specific twist would happen there. I like the revelation but the twist is revealed later and it's not the one that I expected. I like mine better. There is no reason to bring Roy to Berlin otherwise. Betty needs to find her locket and Stephen may need to be there for research. Roy doesn't need to be there and could have been alerted to the scheme. In my version, he is lured to Germany and arrested there. That's the only possible reason to bring him. In looking back, I also don't know how Betty gets herself paired up with Roy in the first place. I'm sure that there could be some underhanded way to get the connect. The ending has some questionable things but I really like the $100k idea. Roy has already been shown a killer. It's too easy for him to kill Betty and take the calculators for himself.

Kept me interested but unbelievable in parts

[con-fan · 7/10 · 23 November 2019]

My biggest beef with this movie is that the timeline doesn't work. The main characters are too young for the events that happen in the flashbacks. Some good acting by the lead guy but I didn't like the violent scenes, too graphic for a what could have been a fairly light-hearted thriller. However kept me interested except at the very end which was dragged out about 10 minutes too long.

Dame Helen Mirren & Sir Ian McClellan Shine

[slightlymad22 · 7/10 · 14 November 2019]

I just got out of The Good Liar

Both my eldest and myself enjoyed it considerably. You think you know where it's going (as the trailer shows a lot) but then it takes a detour. I love Helen Mirren and Sir Ian McClellan, I will always give anything they are in a chance and they are both superb here.

There is some brief nudity and bit of swearing, but I was surprised to see the C word used quite a few times, I'm not sure how that will go down with some audiences.

All in all, a good movie, that does not play out as you expect it to.

A Masterclass in Great Acting

[tm-sheehan · 8/10 · 6 December 2019]

My Review : The Good Liar my rating 8.5

No Spoilers as usual from me except to say the trailers of The Good Liar give us only an inkling into the complex maze the plot reveals and that it's a master class in great acting from Sir Ian McKellen and Dame Helen Mirren.

I think it's the finest performance from Ian McKellen since his Oscar nominated role in Gods and Monsters in 1999 and I'm not surprised that Bill Condon the director of this film also directed Ian McKellen in Gods and Monsters.

In The Good Liar Ian McKellen is cast as Roy Courtnay who meets Helen Mirren cast as Betty McLeish on a mature age dating site it soon becomes apparently clear that Roy's motives are not honourable in any way shape or form it takes us a lot longer to reveal Betty's true motive. In the meantime we meet Betty's hunky handsome protective Grandson Stephen perfectly played by Russell Tovey who seeks out to find out all he can about his Grandmother's new border and boyfriend.

Jim Carter who plays Mr Carson in Downton Abbey is very impressive in the very different role of Vincent the best friend of Roy Courtney and "business associate " it's a great ensemble cast and this film has some great plot twisters and surprises that at times may seem a little improbable but that didn't bother me a bit.

It's the performances of McKellen and Mirren that are sublime, subtle and mesmerising the range of these two actors is astonishing when you think back to characters like Helen Mirren in The Queen or Catherine the Great and Maria Altman in Woman in Gold then Ian McKellen as Gandalf or James Whale in Gods and Monsters and King Lear to see them together in a film for the first time ,they have appeared on stage together in 2001 in Dance of Death on Broadway.

I must mention the great score by Carter Burwell it's perfect and gives great atmosphere to the emotional and suspenseful plot I really like his scores and this is up with his previous film scores for Carol, Three Billboards Outside Ebbing ,Missouri and In Bruges.

I really enjoyed The Good Liar go see it and don't let anyone tell you the outcome of this complex story.

A Movie I'm Fond Of

[boblipton · 7/10 · 17 November 2019]

Ian McKellen is a a con man. He's got an updated version of the Spanish Prisoner that convinces the mark to send hundreds of thousand of pounds into the pockets of his crew and him, and he has a profitable sideline in mildly scatterbrained but cash-rich old ladies, whom he romances and then shows a route to major profits.... for McKellen, that is. Mild-mannered widow Helen Mirren has come right into his sights, and despite Russell Tovey as her overprotective grandson, McKellen sees enough money to pay for a lavish retirement.

I spotted largely where this was going early on -- I have a fondness for good movies about confidence tricksters -- and I expect anyone who knows the conman trope in movies to catch on pretty early. Nonetheless, it's always fun for me to watch two professionals do their work, whether they're gardeners pruning the bushes properly or two skilled and charismatic actors performing in roles written for them; this is McKellen's fourth movie with director Bill Condon, and the second time Jeffrey Hatcher has written the screenplay for the actor/director combination; and who does not wish to write for Miss Mirren? So I had a very good time, and I expect most people will.

Plus it's a very good poster.

Entertaining and with dark plot twists

[elb-74644 · 8/10 · 17 November 2019]

In my opinion the reviewers missed the point. Of course you know from the start that Mirren's character will not fall prey, and within half an hour you are sure she will best McEllan's. The surprise is in how and why. Many plot twists, some quite dark, ensue. Two fine actors and a few good supporters at the top of their craft. Well produced and fun to watch.

Too Far Fetched

[janetta-dalton-sedgwick · 6/10 · 18 November 2019]

I enjoyed this for about two thirds of the way through, then it just became too far fetched to be believable so was disappointing.

Two Solid Old Pros In A Flawed Script

[JackCerf · 5/10 · 18 November 2019]

As Boomers grow older and continue to be an in-theater audience for movies where the characters don't wear spandex, the geezer movie is becoming a recognized genre. The Good Liar is the latest example, but unfortunately two excellent old pros are done in by a disappointing script.

The driver of the plot is Roy (Ian McKellan) as an elderly English con man who, among other scams, romances lonely widows of means and fleeces them out of their life savings. His newest target is Betty (Helen Mirren), a recently widowed Oxford history professor who he meets on an internet dating site for the mature person seeking companionship. The first two-thirds of the movie is Roy working the con by slowly insinuating himself into Betty's heart, house and considerable bank balance. He's simultaneously working another fraudulent investment scheme that shows us he's not only good at his work but willing to do whatever it takes, up to and including homicide.

Nevertheless, you anticipate that things are not what they seem because Betty is played by Helen Mirren, who comes across as simply too smart, too self-possessed and too aware to be the sucker Roy thinks she is. Mirren has a history of playing smart, formidably dangerous older women like retired intelligence agents, and the actress's background affects how we see her character in this picture. A less well known performer would have been more convincing and generated more tension as a likely victim. We keep waiting to see how Betty is playing Roy when he thinks he's playing her, and these two fine performers keep us hanging on to find out what's really going on.

Then, in the last third of the movie, we do find out, and the whole thing falls flat. The two turn out to have a back story from their long ago youth that she knows and he doesn't realize. Told in flashback, the back story unfortunately manages to be both melodramatic and uninvolving; we don't really connect to the two of them as young people in the mid-1940s. It might have worked better if it had been intercut with the present day story, like a dark version of The Notebook, instead of delivered as a data dump by the victorious Betty.

The twist ending has zero tension, partly because we've seen it coming and partly because Betty sandbags Roy completely and there's no real contest. After Roy gets his comeuppance there are two heavy handed, moralizing coda scenes that could better have been left out, leaving Roy's aftermath to our imagination. Mirren and McKellen do all that could be done with the script, but the material lets them down. Despite the quality lead performances, I'd leave it to streaming at most.

It Started Out Interesting But Got Too Woke At The End For Me

[nexxoexxon · 23 January 2020]

The movie started out interesting. Midway it was clear and started to become predictable. The ending was exactly how I predicted it. It was a simple revenge movie. However, the wokeness added into the ending plot was god awful. It just didn't work and it was awkward. 1/10 .

Truth and lies

[TheLittleSongbird · 7/10 · 2 December 2019]

There were a few reasons for wanting to see 'The Good Liar' in the first place. The premise sounded fascinating and the sort that is right up my street. Of all the stories of the films released a couple of weeks ago, that for 'The Good Liar' was the one that intrigued me most. Have liked some of Bill Condon's other work, especially 'Gods and Monsters' and 'Kinsey'. Am someone who loves Ian McKellen and Helen Mirren (especially McKellen), two of Britain's national treasures, in intriguing roles for them.

Seeing it with my mother, who also likes very much this type of film, a big part of me really enjoyed 'The Good Liar' and found more good things than not so good things. The performances of the two leads being the strongest asset. Did think that with a better final act in particular, where it does fall apart somewhat, it could have been a better film than it turned out to be though. It actually should have been a better film than it turned out.

As said, there are things done well. McKellen and Mirren are both great here, they have both given better performances sure but they have challenging and quite different material for them and they both overcome the hurdles with aplomb and with nuance (even in parts that aren't as dialogue-heavy), charm and intensity. McKellen's material is more difficult, as it is a departure role for him and it must have been hard trying to make a character where one can see what Betty sees in him when it is obvious early on that he is not one to trust. The two sparkle together and looks as though they're worked with each other for years, one thinks from the beginning that it would be a typical romantic comedy but it turns out to be much more than that. The acting throughout from all is very good, Russell Tovey particularly good.

Other strengths are the photography, whether in the slickly and beautifully filmed present day scenes or the darker and grittier hue of the 1940s scenes, nice varied use of locations (the period detail in the flashbacks showing that a lot of homework was done recreating the period) and Carter Burwell's brooding score. The script on the most part very much intrigues and is darkly funny when needed and charming when needed. The story entertains and compels enough, especially in the scenes detailing what Roy is really up to. The writers clearly had a lot of fun with Roy and it is evident on screen and Betty is a sensitive contrast.

For all those good things however, there are debits. The darker tone of the second half is too much of a juxtaposition that it becomes feeling too much like a different film. Still attention grabbing sure but a bit jarring. 'The Good Liar' has two big plot twists. The first one coming off quite a lot better, it was more predictable as there is a lot of foreshadowing and suspicion before the scene happens, but the scene was still quite suspenseful in particularly the build up.

Where the film is particularly let down is with two things. The train station scene requires some serious suspension of disbelief and happens too much by chance, what should have been quite a tense scene and it began like that ends in a truly absurd way with too much sheer luck when this close to being caught. The final twenty five minutes or so, with the second plot twist, is more surprising but it is introduced too suddenly and the whole ending was just far too melodramatic in an again too juxtaposed way and quite silly.

In conclusion, liked it on the most part but expected more considering how good the premise was. It could have been potentially very good if the final act was significantly less flawed. 6.5-7/10

Do only women understand this plot?

[scubafiend · 7/10 · 8 July 2022]

I don't understand the reviews that rant about the plot. Guilty conscience? As a woman I totally related to Helen Mirren's character and understood her motivation. Excellent acting by everyone in the film, and the plot was interesting. Was it their best film? No, but then again the actors in this film have an extremely high bar to surpass to make that happen. I enjoyed it and will watch it again.

Disappointing

[vnewton-77136 · 6/10 · 23 November 2019]

I had high hopes despite the tepid reviews. Serious plot holes hurt this otherwise enjoyable pairing of great artists.

Could have had a more thoughtful ending+

[jkuras2010 · 7/10 · 18 November 2019]

I do not want to spoil the movie. It builds up nicely, however, when the entire truth is revealed, it was overdramatized and in some parts, a bit ridiculous.

The acting was superb and flawless. The entire cast held my respect, but again, I would have liked to see a more thoughtful ending and not drawn out with unnecessary violence.

Joyce.

Good thriller for a change

[Jacknife-Megs · 7/10 · 16 November 2019]

Based on the rating, I thought this movie was going to be boring, but on the contrary this was an entertaining thriller even though it was kinda predictable and didn't bring anything new to the table. Overall, if you are looking for a light handed movie with a good twist and pleasing performances you would enjoy it for sure.

A dish best served kalt

[Padreviews · 8/10 · 15 November 2019]

If you like your thrillers with all the usual ingredients that keep you guessing this is the one for you

Great acting , great plot , brilliant script , twists , keeps you guessing , hustle , hustled and hustler , dirty rotten scoundrel , great location and drone shots and recreation of war torn and post war Europe

A film that keeps your interest right through to the end

No spoilers here as always

Pad.a 8/10.

Slow paced and predictable, but some good turns and great acting keep your interest.

[sbweightman · 6/10 · 8 November 2019]

Slow paced in delivery, but very well put together and keeps your interest to the end thanks to the great acting from the cast. The plot is predictable, but does take a few unexpected turns and a very unexpected dark turn towards the end, although the ending is pretty much as you would expect.

Am I lying?????

[nickphelan-25748 · 9/10 · 18 November 2019]

Once every year or so a movie comes along with no hype and slips under the radar despite being a gem. This is one. The powerhouse duo excellent as can be predicted of Ian McKellen and Helen Mirren carry the movie. An older cast can often be left to carry cosy Sunday teatime type movies but this isn't one. Has very light moments at times but don't let that fool you. This is a proper thriller. To answer the question in my caption??? I'm not lying. Highly recommended

Mirren and McKellen acting in different movies

[bankofmarquis · 7/10 · 20 November 2019]

In a time where large comic-book, CGI-infused monster fests are all the rage in the Cineplex, it is a welcome relief to find a cleverly written, acting-rich mystery story featuring two world class actors of "a certain age", defying the odds to make a memorable motion picture.

And...they almost succeeded.

Written by Twin Cities native Jeffrey Hatcher, THE GOOD LIAR tells the tale of a...well...good liar played by Ian McKEllen. His con-man, Roy Courtney, is a roguish scamp, bilking crooks and ne'er do wells out of their money. He then sets his sights on rich Widow Betty McLeish (Helen Mirren) and her millions of dollars.

We spend the first 3/4 of this film following Roy - and his con-man ways - and it is a pleasure to spend that time under the twinkling eyes of Sir Ian McKellen. He plays Roy with a bit of a light touch, driving down into the dirty work whenever he needs to, but spending most of his time outsmarting his opponents with a sly grin, a wry comment and a light step. He cares not for his marks, that is...until he meets Betty. And Mirren and McKellen have the ability to play off each other very well and this would have been a more effective film if both of them were acting in the same sort of film.

For, you see, McKellen is playing in a bit of light drama, landing his acting chops in a style reminiscent of con-man films like THE STING and NOW YOU SEE ME. Mirren, however, (who takes over the last 1/4 of the film) seems to be performing in a heavy drama like SOPHIE'S CHOICE or THE FRENCH LIEUTENANT'S WOMAN and I think it was the tone that each of these actors brought to their roles that drove both of these fine actors to this project.

Unfortunately, the dichotomy of the different acting styles, mood and tone ultimately derails this film and brings it down a peg from the austere heights it aspires to be.

I place the blame on Director Bill Condon (Mr. Holmes) who had two very good actors - and an interesting story - and just couldn't find the correct balance point for these actors, and this story. He also is not helped by Hatcher's script which really takes a dark turn (darker than is necessary for the story) that is a bit jarring. If this film wanted to be heavy and dark, then it shouldn't have been so light and fun at the beginning - and Sir Ian's performance needed to be heavier and darker at the beginning. Or it needed to "lighten up a bit" at the end and push Mirren's performance out of the darkness and a bit more into the light.

All-in-all it's a fine, throwback. A two actor film that is in short supplies these days - so well worth seeing. Though I will always pine for what could have been had the tone been evened out between these two veteran performers.

Letter Grade: B

7 Stars (out of 10) and you can take that to the Bank(ofMarquis)

Both preposterous and entirely predictable at the same time

[adamonIMDb · 5/10 · 15 March 2020]

'The Good Liar' manages to achieve something unique in that it is both ludicrous plot-wise and yet completely predictable when it comes to the big twist. Most people will know what's coming from very early on in the film, yet when the inevitable finally arrives it feels ridiculous and implausible and will leave you rolling your eyes.

The other 'twists' that follow as the story unravels are not as predictable, but are just as silly. To say the plot is far-fetched would be an understatement - it's farcical. That said, I can't say I didn't get some enjoyment out of 'The Good Liar' as it did keep me interested right through to the end. Mirren and McKellen are very good in their roles, especially given the material.

Ordinarily I'd have switched off the moment the absurd twist was revealed, but something about 'The Good Liar' kept me interested and watching. It does have some redeeming qualities that partially make up for the preposterous plot, but I certainly wouldn't recommend it.