Small Screen Reviews

Studio:
Warner Bros   

What’s It About?
A con artist sees a new mark in recently widowed Betty McLeish, but things take an unexpected turn.   

Who’s In It?
Sir Ian McKellen (X-Men, Lord Of The Rings, & Mr Holmes)
Dame Helen Mirren (The Queen, RED, & Catherine The Great)   

Other notables include:
Jim Carter (Downton Abbey, Transformers: The Last Knight, & Swimming With Men) 
Russell Tovey (The History Boys, Being Human, & Years And Years)   

Director: Bill Condon (Gods And Monsters, Dreamgirls, & Beauty And The Beast)   

Audiences Expect:
Adapted from Nicolas Searle’s novel of the same name, The Good Liar sees the remarkable talents of two of Britain’s finest actors on screen together for the first time – Ian McKellen and Helen Mirren. And the result is an absolute delight.
McKellen plays Roy Courtenay, a charlatan who will stop at nothing to swindle people of their hard earned cash, including innocent widows like Betty McLeish. Despite the best efforts of her suspicious grandson, the two become close after a series of dates, and, in addition to his other projects, it seems like Betty is set to become another one of his victims. But, as you would expect, it is not all plain sailing for the confidence trickster.
McKellen, complete with twiddling moustache, is an absolute joy on screen and is clearly having bags of fun in the role, though he has certainly met his match in Mirren, and it is an absolute delight to see the two on screen together. There is also strong support from the likes of Jim Carter and Russell Tovey, in an intriguing plot that twists and turns as the story develops, with some surprising and quite unexpected consequences.
Expertly helmed by Bill Condon, nicely shot, with first-rate performances and an intriguing and at times dark script. The Good Liar is bound to win you over.   

In A Nutshell:
A first rate cast, an intriguing plot, and expertly directed, The Good Liar will no doubt win you over.   

Highlight:
See Ian McKellen and Helen Mirren go toe to toe on screen   

Lowpoint:
Too many twists and turns make this a little too convoluted