The Queen

After 2 mishaps, I made it to see The Queen. The reason to see this movie is for the performance of Helen Mirren as Queen Elizabeth during the months before and the week of Diana's death. This isn't a great movie but Helen Mirren gives a great performance. The movie has been said to be impartial but it is fair to assess that while we get insights into Elizabeth and Tony Blair, Prince Philip comes off as a bully, Charles as inefficient and a reason to get rid of the monarchy, and Cherie Blair is not popular. The true story is in the relationship between the Queen, the Prime Minister, and the Queen's advisor. The three provide the enjoyable elements of the movie. While not cast, Princess Diana plays a prominent role in the film as shown in real life video clips and interviews. Diana is everywhere and this could overwhelm the story but luckily it is only mildly distracting.

This is not to say I disliked the movie but after all the hype, I thought it would have been more well rounded. At 97 minutes, I found myself wishing it was just over. There were definate drags in places. I did learn something new. Balmoral is 40,000 acres large, which is why the royal family can find so much privacy there. I didn't realize that the Queen is not allowed to vote, and that there are times presumably when even the Queen can be alone without her keepers.

This movie is not for everyone. Children will be bored as will anyone who requires action and adventure. It's a retrospect and partial history lesson brought together by the strength of a few performances.