Finally, a satisfying Royals story

Rating: 9/10 (27 June 2010)

Princess Victoria (Blunt) becomes Queen of England, and later marries Prince Albert (Friend).
I always like movies about the Royals. You get to see the palaces, castles, manicured gardens, the furniture, over-sized mirrors and the spacious rooms. I am reminded of a Nick Faldo (golfer) story he tells when he and his daughter went to Buckingham Palace for him to be knighted by Queen Elizabeth. As they walked through the palace, his young daughter exclaims, " Daddy, this is where we should live." Indeed.
(Bob, is Helen Mirren in this?) No, that comes at a much later time in a movie called The Queen. (You sure?)
Moving on. The young Victoria at age 18 is a feisty one and won't sign papers to install a regency until she is 25. She decides to wait until she can become Queen when her loving uncle King William (Broadbent) dies, and surprisingly, he does rather quickly. Now, as Queen she has to handle things with little experience, but she learns. We are only privy to the first few years of Victoria's reign. The notes at the end of the movie tell of her accomplishments with Prince Albert later on. They were good Royals.
Good chemistry between Blunt and Friend and that is what makes this a most satisfying story. Also, the entire cast performed well. Excellent direction, cinematography and good dialogue helped a lot and the editing process didn't let a scene linger too long. Good job.
And, for the Jeopardy fans, Queen Victoria was the first sovereign to occupy Buckingham Palace.
Only one downside. (here we go). With all the movements throughout the palaces and castles, I didn't see one painting on any wall. Hmmmm And, I wouldn't have minded if this lasted another hour. It went by too fast.
Violence: Yes, Prince Albert gets shot. Sex: No. Nudity: No. Language: No.