Not a big enough story

Rating: 7/10 (20 January 2011)

Colin Firth gives a flawless performance as George VI in this very British tale all about the unlikeliest King in British history. There's a distinct historical atmosphere set very early in the movie and it does manage to keep you interested right up until the movie's slightly sickly sweet ending. I am sorry to say though that terrific talents like Helena Bonham-Carter and Geoffrey Rush are a bit wasted here. The story just isn't big enough to justify having heavy weight actors like Bonham-Carter and Rush in supporting roles. There's also a cameo role for Michael Gambon as George's father George V. The period is very well created in the movie and if Oscars are being handed out there may well be one for the costume designers. Guy Pearce gives a believable enough performance as George's abdicating brother, Edward VIII and there's lots of familiar faces from British TV and film popping up. No doubt it will be a huge hit with American audiences who can't seem to get enough of "British Posh" these days. Good luck explaining the "constitutional crisis", to them by the way. For this reviewer though, there's just too much incongruity between the very simple story and the heavy dramatic production. A more light hearted production might have been more appropriate. But none of my criticisms should detract from a beautiful performance by Colin Firth.