The Queen rules

Rating: 9/10 (18 December 2006)

Helen Mirren delivers an overwhelmingly nuanced performance of the ruling monarch, HM Queen Elizabeth II, an institution of more than half a century. The actress may have earned a footnote in acting history as the only actress to play Elizabeth I and II in one year for different productions.
Michael Sheen s Tony Blair as a twitchy, adoring green prime minister who seems to get a headache every time he telephones the queen. He makes it easy to understand how the real Blair could have become "Bush's Poodle" in supporting the Iraqi invasion.
James Cromwell as the dull Consort Prince Phillip and Alex Jennings as the tearful ex-husband and prince, heir to the throne. who seeks to smash tradition, round out an excellent cast.
Director Stephen Frears and Writer Peter Morgan make us feel we are really flies on the wall in Buckingham and Balmoral palaces and at 10 Downing Street. They create a British West Wing. As a Yankee, I don't know how accurate they are, but I'd like to believe that Her Majesty as a mechanic during The War can really diagnose front-end damage to her Land Rover after she wrecks it crossing a stream.