Preview Mode Links will not work in preview mode

One Movie Punch


Dec 5, 2019

Hi everyone!

Welcome back to the podcast. Today, we’re welcoming back Ryan L. Terry to the podcast, with a review for a historical crime thriller involving a surprising number of Nazis. He’ll give you the lowdown in a minute, but for a few other reviews from Ryan, check out his review for the cult classic OFFICE KILLER (Episode #512), KNIFE + HEART (Episode #542), and his assistance for my journey during Reign of Terror 2019 with his guest review of I KNOW WHAT YOU DID LAST SUMMER (Episode #614). His promo will run before the review!

Subscribe to stay current with the latest releases.

Contribute at Patreon for exclusive content.

Connect with us over social media to continue the conversation.

Here we go!

/////

<< RYAN L. TERRY PROMO >>

/////

THE GOOD LIAR (2019), written by Jeffrey Hatcher and directed by Bill Condon, is a sultry cat and mouse thriller starring two of Britain’s finest actors: Hellen Mirren as the widowed Betty McLeish and Sir Ian McKellen as the career con artist Roy Courtney. You don’t want to miss watching these two actors go at it in the most brilliantly entertaining fashion.

When Roy happens upon the online dating profile of Betty, he cannot believe his luck when he finds out that she is wealthy. Usually, Roy has no issues in swindling people, but he begins to dance a fine line between his personal feelings and the objective of his job when he begins to fall in love with Betty. As their relationship develops from platonic to something more, the complications and conflict give way to a treacherous game of wits.

Cat and mouse games, whodunits, and other intellectually-driven thrillers are often some of the most difficult movies to review, because so many details could easily be spoilers. There is perhaps no greater recent example of this tightrope I find myself walking than with this clever film. Virtually everything about it from title to end credits could give way to spoiling the many surprises if not approached with the utmost care. As much as will try to avoid any spoiler-ific information, it is unavoidable with this film. So, if you are worried — pause — then go watch the movie. Yes, it’s a recommended watch if you are into intellectually driven cat and mouse thrillers. Then come back to this episode to listen to my thoughts. That being said, let’s move into my reactions!

Don’t look to Condon’s more well-known and recent work on such films as BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, THE GREATEST SHOWMAN, or DREAMGIRLS to get a feel for his approach to this crime thriller. You need to look to his earlier work MURDER 101, DEADLY RELATIONS (sounds like a Lifetime movie or Investigation Discovery series), or THE MAN WHO WOULDN’T DIE (which sounds an awful lot like a Hitchcock title). Looking to his more obscure films will reveal how he approached and directed THE GOOD LIAR. If you love a film with twists and turns at every corner, then you will undoubtedly love this movie.

Early on, the audience realizes that nothing is at it seems, so that creates a fantastic atmosphere of intrigue that invites you to play along as you try to figure out what is really going on. Although on a conceptual level, you may figure out what is going on, the details will most assuredly escape you. And it’s those loose ends that will drive you crazy — in the best way possible. Until the big reveal at the end, in which is all makes sense.

The best thing about this movie is that the plot is incredibly believable. You’ll want to poke holes in plot, but you’ll have a tough time identifying a solid one. That is partly due to the magic of screenwriting: the characters will say or do something because it’s required at that specific time; however, it is played off as natural and unforced. I admire the tonal shifts from the lighthearted beginning to the rather dark material midway through and the increasingly macabre subject matter as the movie makes its way towards the climax. This movie will take you places that will completely blow your mind; however, I assure you that it works very well despite being reprehensible in nature. No plot device is ever used simply for shock value; everything has an intentional purpose and place. If for no other reason, you want to watch this movie for the two lead performances by Mirren and McKellen. Not that these performances are even in their top 10, but these actors are so much fun to watch, that you forgive the movie of its shortcomings.

Rotten Tomatoes: 64%

Metacritic: 55

IMDb: 6.5

One Movie Punch: 6.0/10

You can find THE GOOD LIAR (2019) at a cinema near you!