Good, but no great movie.

Rating: Null/10 (8 April 2001)

When I think of what is the best picture of the year, I think of a movie that is well-made, inspiring, but most of all, memorable. Movies like Saving Private Ryan and The Thin Red Line fit those descriptions perfectly. Shakespeare in Love is definitey well-made, but it left no long lasting impressions on me. It is the ultimate film to watch on a date, but it is far from the best picture of 1998. The acting in this movie is pretty good, but not the best. Gwyneth Paltrow held her own as Viola, but she didn't express the emotion, depth, or intrigue that Cate Blanchett showed in her more Oscar-worthy performance in Elizabeth. Joseph Fiennes and Geoffrey Rush pull off okay performances, but were better in Elizabeth. Dame Judi Dench was really good in a vastly underwritten role as the queen. I don't hate this movie, I just think it was a little overrated. If I voted for the Oscars, my best picture contenders would have been Elizabeth, Pleasantville, Saving Private Ryan, The Thin Red Line, and The Truman Show. As for this movie...
**1/2 out of ****