The Good Liar

Out of all the different types of storylines films can offer is that of the cat-and-mouse. It is intriguing to see a couple of people attempt to 'one up' each other for a specific reason. This is the premise of "The Good Liar" which works for these consummate pro actors. Although this isn't a spy film, many spy flicks carry a cat-and-mouse idea to them, which, in my opinion, makes this a worthy watch.

Career con artist Roy Courtnay (Ian McKellen) can hardly believe his luck when he meets well-to-do widow Betty McLeish (Helen Mirren) online. As Betty opens her home and life to him, Roy is surprised to find himself caring about her, turning what should be a cut-and-dry swindle into the most treacherous tightrope walk of his life. As Roy imposes himself even more into her life, Betty's grandson, Stephen (Russell Tovey) increasingly becomes more and more skeptical of Roy's intentions, and decides to do his own research on his guy when they all have a vacation in Berlin. Piece by piece, Stephen attempts to open his grandma's eyes, so little by little Betty wonders about Roy, although not totally convinced. This is a suspenseful drama about the secrets people keep and the lies they live all in a cat-and-mouse yarn with the ultimate stakes.

Others to round out the cast are Jim Carter as Vincent, an associate of Roy's, Mark Lewis Jones as Bryn, another associate of Roy's, Laurie Davidson as Hans Taub (1948), Phil Dunster as Roy Courtnay (1948), Lucian Msamati as Beni, Johannes Haukur Johannesson as Vlad and Tunji Kasim as Michael.

This was rivetingly directed by Bill Condon ("Sister, Sister" '87, "White Lie" (TV movie) '91, "Deadly Relations" (TV movie) '93, "Candyman: Farwell to the Flesh" '95, "Gods and Monsters" '98, "Kinsey" '04, "Dreamgirls" '06, "The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn- Part 1" '11, "Tilda" (TV movie) '11, "The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn- Part 2" '12, "The Fifth Estate" '13, "Mr. Holmes" '15, "Beauty and the Beast" '17) plus TV and shorts. As opposed to many other directors, this filmmaker cannot be pigeon-holed. Not only has he ventured into multiple genres, but different subject matter as well, and that is very respectful. Certainly keeping to what one does best makes them more effective in what they know, however going out on a limb definitely can make a film cutting edge in the approach of the director, and this is the case with Condon. He simply made the characters come alive, especially with Mirren and McKellen in their subtlety subdued performances. It's a joy to see direction by a consummate veteran as with Condon. It was effectively written by Jeffrey Hatcher ("Murder at the Cannes Film Festival" (TV movie) 2000, "Casanova" '05, "The Duchess" '08, "Coco Chanel" (TV movie) '08, "Mr. Holmes" '15) plus TV, based on a novel by Nicholas Searle. When viewing this, it seemed to unfold extremely slowly, however if one is patient with this, it starts to create a life of its own, and, all of a sudden, hits you square in the face. The premise creeps along where the audience will think it's going nowhere, and I believe this is purposed, and then it becomes a true roller coaster ride. The surprises become aplenty.

Whether or not you like this kind of story, the performances by both Mirren and McKellen are worth the price of admission alone. These consummate pros are amazing with every film they do, and since this is their first film together, one would think they've been in other films than just this one.

Out of 4 Stars: 3.5                                    Rated: R                                       109mins.