Can You Spell Oscar?

Rating: 10/10 (21 December 2011)

Easily one of the best films of the year and, I would suppose, a lock for a number of award nominations. An excellent script, delivered on by a cast a marvelous actors. From the leads to the unspeaking parts of a myriad of onlookers - all were excellent.
Colin Firth does a wonderful job as the Duke of York who ascends to the throne as George VI; yet, his performance, while outstanding, is surpassed a bit (in my mind) by that of Geoffrey Rush as the Duke's/King's speech therapist.
Helena Bonham Carter has a major supporting role as The Duke's/King's wife, Elizabeth (known to us in later years as the Queen Mother). Carter handles this role with absolute perfection. Elegant, caring, protective; yet, at all times royal. Marvelous understatement in her performance.
Even the young Princesses Elizabeth and Margaret and played nicely by two young actresses who are capable of using their eyes to carry a scene, not just the script. Their parts are small, but very important in setting the scene and drawing parallels between the Duke's/King's childhood and their own.
Additionally, the director showed wonderfully the period between the wars.
An excellent film that could be enjoyed by all as was evidenced by the response of the patrons at a very crowded theater at 10:15 AM on a Sunday morning. The film's hype brought them; but it will be the word of mouth that really will sell this film.