Reviews by Matt

One of the perks of my job here at the paper is that every so often, I am given the chance to see an advanced screenings. Last week dozens of, what I can only assume were radio contest winners, and I were treated to “Elizabeth: The Golden Age.”

“Elizabeth: The Golden Age” is a sequel to the 1998’s “Elizabeth,” this time the movie looks at the life of Queen Elizabeth (Cate Blanchett) when Spain was threatening to take over the English throne. Elizabeth was a Protestant and much of England was Catholic, so the threats on her life were very real. King Phillip II of Spain (Jordi Mollà) planned to have Elizabeth assassinated and put Mary Stuart aka Mary Queen of Scots (Samantha Morton) in her place.

Elizabeth is also feeling the pressure to get married. The rumors of her infertility are hurting her reputation so she begins to see suitors from kingdoms all over the world, but she has an eye for the charming (not Sir yet) Walter Raleigh (Clive Owen).

The story in the movie is not that strong. It seemed to drag on and the climax happens in the last 15 minutes and even then, it is not that thrilling.

What to should look for are the strong performances from Blanchett and Owen. They deliver the performances that save the movie from dragging on and remaining ultimately uninteresting.

Blanchett reprises her star-making role in “Elizabeth.” She plays Elizabeth with the strength and conviction that a queen needs. She refuses to be pushed around and if you cross her you will pay the price. She seems almost untouchable, but in the scenes with Raleigh we see a more human side of her. She is sweet and kind to him. She is interested in him not only because he is charming, but also because he has traveled to the “new world” and is an adventurer. She is presented with any number of rich and powerful suitors who, should she marry, would provide powerful alliances with other counties. This is not what she wants and that is why she gravitates to Raleigh. He represents the “everyman” and someone she could love for their personality and not because of the result would be a powerful alliance.

Owen, as far as I am concerned, makes a star turn with his performance. I have always liked Owen because he is such an amazing actor, be even I was impressed with this performance. He has shown that he can do “period pieces” as well as movies like “Sin City” and “Children of Men.” He plays Raleigh with such charm and charisma. He flashes a smile and is instantly liked. He is, in essence, The Fonz for the 1500s. He treats Elizabeth both with the reverence of a queen and familiarity of an equal.

“Elizabeth: The Golden Age” suffers from a weakly written story and a plot that seems somewhat rushed as the movie closes. The saving graces are two stellar performances from Owen and Blanchett. They alone are worth giving this one a try should nothing else in the theaters seem worth it.

6 out of 10
Rated PG-13for violence, some sexuality and nudity.
1 hr 54 mins