The Good Liar

“Read between the lines.”

Filmology Rating: 2.5 out of 4

The Good Liar was based off the novel of the same name - now directed by Bill Condon and stars Helen Mirren and Ian McKellen - two complete class-acts when it comes to acting. 

When Betty (Mirren) and Roy (McKellen) meet each other online, they begin seeing one another. However, Roy has secretly "targeted" Betty; he plans to build a romantic relationship with Betty and eventually create a joint banking account where he would have access to her millions while she only has a little while left to live. 

Helen Mirren described this film in an interview as very Hitchcockian. I suppose that's fair to say, but it's nowhere near the quality of Hitchcock.  Surprisingly, this film has not been doing very well at the box office as it's just about to break even. It stars two fantastic actors that were once huge box office draws. I'm sure 'Frozen II' has something to do with this conundrum. 

However, this film is meandering. The general walkthrough of this film is just watching an older couple get into a relationship while knowing that Roy is trying to scam her. Although that idea may seem slogging, Helen Mirren and Ian McKellen are impossible to be bored by. And as the film progresses, you learn more about Roy due to Betty's overprotective grandson. 

There just isn't really much of a story until the last fifteen minutes of the film where a huge plot twist and exposition dump occurs. It's literally Helen Mirren shoveling exposition out like she was powering a coal-driven locomotive. 

Then there is this odd presentation of Nazis and World War II to the point where Roy and Betty go to the movie theater (in 2009) and watch Quentin Tarantino's 'Inglorious Bastards.' It all just felt weird until the final few minutes of the film where some things begin to click together. 

It's a fine watch, but it's definitely a film that's targeted to an older demographic because I'm sure no teenagers want to go watch Helen Mirren and Ian McKellen on a Friday night. However, you may find the performances are enough to fill your cinematic appetite.

Rating: Rent It

-Nolan