Brilliant Performances

Rating: Null/10 (26 February 2008)

Queen, The (2006)
**** (out of 4)
Stephen Frears' drama about Queen Elizabeth (Helen Mirren) and her struggles over the death of Princess Diana. I held off seeing this thing for quite a while because I figured we'd have a great performance in an over-dramatic British soap opera but that was far from the case. In fact, I thought the movie itself was a lot better than anyone has really given it credit for. Director Frears does an incredible job at keeping the thing moving and deeply interesting. I wasn't a fan of Princess Diana and I certainly don't care about British politics but I don't think I blink once during the entire film. It was so strong that it really kept me into it from start to finish. Mirren is excellent, which has been reported everyone and even won her an Oscar but I feel this has taken quite a bit away from the supporting cast and their excellent work. James Cromwell is terrific in the film and Michael Sheen is equally impressive as Tony Blair.