Far-fetched but well-acted
- The Good Liar review by AER
Ian McKellen and Helen Mirren give this pulpy thriller a touch of class. Unfortunately, the plot is so far-fetched and has some whopping implausibilities at its heart that the whole film falls apart when you think back on it. However, it's an entertaining watch, and definitely Ian McKellen's best role since Mr Holmes (same director). So it plays well in the middle ground but once the cats out of the bag, you will groan that the film makers actually 'went there'. Fun but basic.
9 out of 12 members found this review helpful.
Decent film
- The Good Liar review by TH
Not the best film ever but it keeps you engaged throughout. Some bits I had guessed but still some bits keep you guessing. Mckellen and Mirren are both great actors who keep this film together. Its definitely worth a watch.
8 out of 9 members found this review helpful.
Preposterous
- The Good Liar review by JS
The film starts very promising but gradually slides into absurdity. The cast just about makes it worth your while but I would suggest stopping watching it half way through as you will be disappointed.
5 out of 10 members found this review helpful.
Engaging
- The Good Liar review by CP Customer
Top class performances from the ever reliable Helen Mirren and from Ian McKellen, a story line in place of special effects (are you listening Hollywood?) and none of the pointless padding you seem to get in films these days. True the plot was somewhat contrived and got worse as it unfolded but it moved at a steady pace and was always engaging. My sort of film!
4 out of 5 members found this review helpful.
suspenseful
- The Good Liar review by CP Customer
Really great acting as you might expect and poignant topic which I thought was handled really well. I realise that other reviewers have said the plot is unbelievable (and the film could have stood up really well without the war connection), but when you look at real life romance fraud out there, its right on the money.
3 out of 4 members found this review helpful.
Great cast, an enjoyable watch
- The Good Liar review by Timp
As others have noted the story is a bit far fetched. The form of the ending is not hard to predict but aspects of it are over worked. The two main characters give beautifully crafted performances which certainly helps the credibility of the film. All in all a solid piece of entertainment.
3 out of 3 members found this review helpful.
Great acting but a fairly implausible twist
- The Good Liar review by giantrolo
Great acting from two excellent forces of nature - Helen Mirren and Ian McKellan. Generally a good plotline but a somewhat implausible twist towards the end.
2 out of 3 members found this review helpful.
Tried this after reading book
- The Good Liar review by MZ
I wanted to write this because I had to stop reading the book 3 quarters way through and thought I would see if the film was better. It really wasnt, very strange and unbelievable plot and I gave up watching half way through. The idea was good but it just jumped about too much for my liking.
1 out of 2 members found this review helpful.
Brilliant
- The Good Liar review by DP
Helen Mirren was amazing in her ability to change her character when she revealed her scheme.
Ian McKellen’ ability to portray a really dissolute character was also convincing.
They both showed what mature actors can do. Amazing
1 out of 1 members found this review helpful.
Truly terrible
- The Good Liar review by LD
Unexpectedly violent (pierced eardrums, meat cleaved hands and rape! ) worthless tale of revenge. Both high calibre actors but wasted here. Unlikeable characters, unlikely plot, I couldn't care less about the twist by the end. 2 hours of my life I'd like back!
1 out of 1 members found this review helpful.