bit of a mixed bag but visually impressive

Rating: 7/10 (8 November 2007)

The long-awaited sequel to 1998's 'Elizabeth', and using some of the same cast (notably Cate Blanchett as Elizabeth I and Geoffrey Rush as Francis Walsingham), this film scores on visual splendour but fails to engage in its battle scenes.
As Sir Walter Raleigh in an upgraded part that doesn't pay much attention to history, Clive Owen is OK but nothing spectacular. If anything his characterisation is overwritten for such a dull person. Smaller parts fare better in a muddled story which involves court intrigues, Mary Queen of Scots (played quietly and with dignity by Samantha Morton), Catholics, burning ships, and the Spanish Inquisition.
Kapur's direction does not fail in the scenes of regal spectacle - the Queen is never anything other than stunning - or in the more intimate and thoughtful scenes - but something is missing, and the gung ho pirate-like Armada adventuring is a bit of a misfire.
A worthy sequel, but not as good as you might think, and not as good as the first 'Elizabeth'. It will probably repay a few viewings to make sense of the complicated plot.