I can't believe these guys won me over so easily

Rating: 9/10 (27 February 2011)

First hurdle, this is about royalty. I've spent way too much time fighting boneheads who think they're America's new aristocracy to feel predisposed toward this institution. Second hurdle, this is an English period piece. I'm not fond of having to strain to listen to people who seem all too enamored of themselves in order to make out what they're saying through their oh so British accents. Third hurdle, there's little or no action or intrigue in the storyline, just a man, his therapist and his struggle to overcome one of the most pitiful ailments there are. It promised to be something like an updated Miracle Worker but without Patty Duke.
I've been so completely reversed it's awe inspiring. I can't think of one aspect of this film that isn't superb in a way that I haven't seen done in years. The sets and staging of scenes alone is worth the price of admission. But all the leads are so good it's unbelievable. My favorite is Geoffrey Rush, but Firth is easily his equal. To my mind this picture can't lose the Oscar race. It's one of a kind.