An easy to watch film, that doesn't sacrifice on quality

Rating: 8/10 (23 April 2006)

I first encountered this film whilst studying Shakespeare in a year 9 English class, naturally all the class cared about was making the teacher feel embarrassed and uncomfortable during the sex scenes. However, having recently watched the film again i was pleasantly surprised at how entirely pleasant this unassuming film was,easy and compatible to watch on a Friday night, knowing that you will leave content and at ease. Granted, the performance of Paltrow to me was as dire as her acceptance speech at the Oscars, but then the role didn't require the acting of a prima donna. The best thing that i found in the play was the sense of a company of actors, none of whom wanted to stand out, making this film a unequally, solid, collective performance throughout the entirety of this picture. Having said this; Dench gave a stirring and realistic performance of Queen Elizabeth I, while Ben Afleck performed well, without overdoing the nature of the bold character, leaving it to be unrealistic. To conclude, do not expect a life changing film that will alter your views on the world, for you will not get it. Nevertheless you can sit in front of this movie safe in the knowledge you shall not be disappointed, nor feel the need to slit your wrists, like many other Oscar successes