The Good Liar

Warner Bros. | Release Date: November 15, 2019

5.5	USER SCORE Mixed or average reviews based on 72 Ratings

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MrGlumNov 16, 2019

No Spoilers:
Let's be honest here: the main draw of this story is its two lead actors, and both of them do a terrific job. I did like the story, but one could argue it's just an excuse to have these two amazing actors on screen. Think of itNo Spoilers:
Let's be honest here: the main draw of this story is its two lead actors, and both of them do a terrific job. I did like the story, but one could argue it's just an excuse to have these two amazing actors on screen. Think of it as watching a play in the theater that you already know: you don't go to see it for the story, but for the acting.… Expand

3 of 3 users found this helpful30

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Brent_MarchantNov 28, 2019

A deliciously devious game of bait and switch featuring intriguing and unexpected twists and turns, along with superb performances by Helen Mirren and Ian McKellen, that will keep you hooked right up until the end. While the film has someA deliciously devious game of bait and switch featuring intriguing and unexpected twists and turns, along with superb performances by Helen Mirren and Ian McKellen, that will keep you hooked right up until the end. While the film has some occasional pacing issues, an undercurrent of predictability and a few nasty incidents that seem out of place within the context of an otherwise-playful narrative, the picture nevertheless entertains thoroughly as the lead scoundrels spin their carefully orchestrated webs of deceit. Not groundbreaking cinema by any stretch but certainly passable, largely inoffensive fare that makes for a few good hours at the movies.… Expand

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

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GreatMartinNov 15, 2019

Go into the theatre, buy your popcorn (or not) sit down for 109 minutes and be entertained by two charismatic, professional stars as they do their job. When you leave the theatre don't start questioning the screenplay by Jeffrey Hatcher,Go into the theatre, buy your popcorn (or not) sit down for 109 minutes and be entertained by two charismatic, professional stars as they do their job. When you leave the theatre don't start questioning the screenplay by Jeffrey Hatcher, based on the novel by Nicholas Searle, because some of it didn't make any sense.

Bill Condon directs the two stars in sparkling locations and backdrops whether it be in London or Berlin. Time frames are today and back in the 1940s and, thankfully, the younger actors playing the older ones are real and not movie 'magic'.

Talking about that it seems most movies today have flashbacks when in most cases the movie can be told in linear fashion whereas in this movie we do have to go back to explain the present.

Is it a love story? A story about scams? Con artists? A comedy? Drama? A mystery thriller? Are the people who they say are? It is all of these and yet when you leave the theatre all you will remember is Helen Mirren's smile and Ian McKellen's hangdog face plus their playing off and to each other.

"The Good Liar" is just an entertaining movie, except for two quick violent scenes (unless violence entertains you), that was a perfect way to spend this very rainy afternoon.… Expand

2 of 3 users found this helpful21

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foxgroveNov 21, 2019

Predictably well acted and a generally good yarn, but it lacks the compelling urgency that made the book so riveting a read. The twists are good, but somewhat signposted even if you haven't read the novel. Also the flashbacks tend to slow thePredictably well acted and a generally good yarn, but it lacks the compelling urgency that made the book so riveting a read. The twists are good, but somewhat signposted even if you haven't read the novel. Also the flashbacks tend to slow the plot and the action down reducing one's tenuous involvement even further.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

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RalfbergsJul 16, 2020

I liked it. While at first I thought might be boring and like more of a love story about people in older age, it turned out more interesting. Plus very great acting, with seasoned actors. Plot was interesting too, even though had someI liked it. While at first I thought might be boring and like more of a love story about people in older age, it turned out more interesting. Plus very great acting, with seasoned actors. Plot was interesting too, even though had some loopholes - spoiler alert - mainly about why Helen Mirren's character had to go through all the trouble of going to Germany and askin McKellen's character if he was a nazi and all that if she already knew. I mean ok going to Germany to get what she needed (that hair or whatever even though for me that didn't seem much of a proof or whatever). I mean if digging deeper in story then can find many loopholes, but without doing that, it was very nice movie… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

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DawdlingPoetDec 29, 2021

I liked this film for the final plot twist at the end and also as both of the main cast members are big names and its nice to see them working with one another. The idea of McKellen as a retired conman is somewhat appealing and the way theI liked this film for the final plot twist at the end and also as both of the main cast members are big names and its nice to see them working with one another. The idea of McKellen as a retired conman is somewhat appealing and the way the plot turns out is quite satisfying - I won't say anymore, so as not to provide big spoilers. Yes I'd recommend this film.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

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BradMorganNov 26, 2019

A film that was able to hold on to the mystery for a long time. The story was exciting without ‘over the top’ action. The plot took its time. It suited the story. The story was a bit predictable. Nevertheless a nice movie!

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

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