I couldn't stay to the end-its too many story lines that go nowhere-even if you know the history

Rating: 4/10 (5 January 2008)

I can't really comment on the film. I abandoned it some 45 minutes in. As good as it looks and as good as the performing is I simply could not get into the film. The problem for me is entirely in the writing which seems to keep its various story lines separate even when they are converging. The trouble with Spain, Mary Queen of Scots, Walter Raleigh and her playing off of suitors never blended for me. I know they were one story but here its seems as though a three plus hour mini-series was cut apart for theatrical release. All the ingredients are there in their bowls but they are still waiting to be mixed. I'll try it again down the line, but for now I simply don't have the patience.