Is it worth $10? Yes

It’s an oft-forgotten truism that we rarely know the people we look up to. They are icons, status symbols, figures on a lofty perch. And regardless of this they are always still, at their core, infallibly human. One of the best things about “The King’s Speech” – and there are many great things to say – is the way it relates to Great Britain’s King George VI (Colin Firth) as a person, flaws and all.

Being a public figure, his flaw is especially debilitating: He has a speech impediment, and it’s so bad that he avoids public speeches and appearances at all costs. For help his wife, Elizabeth (Helena Bonham Carter), seeks out a speech therapist named Lionel Logue (Geoffrey Rush), whose unconventional methods catch the king off guard.

The scenes between Firth and Rush are expertly acted: Their chemistry, timing, glances and intonations are so spot-on that you can definitely expect Oscar nominations for both. In particular, note the way Logue is respectful of His Majesty while being very frank with him – Logue feels an informal, personal level of communication is essential to treatment – and the way the King feels compelled to act regal even when vulnerable. Together they form the best duo on screen in 2010, and we can’t get enough of them.

Carter is a delight as the Queen Mother as well, always ready with a quip and to put “Bertie,” as George was known to his family (Albert was his real first name), in his place. Carter said she made this film during breaks from shooting “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows,” which means in the span of hours she would go from pure evil as Bellatrix Lestrange to kind, prim and resourceful as Elizabeth. Impressive indeed.

Tom Hooper (“John Adams”) directs the film with a quiet calm that is fitting for Britain in the 1930s, and he showcases the often foggy, rainy climate of London as a metaphor for Bertie’s mental state. But Hooper’s real accomplishment is this: He provides a great sense of the enormity of the speech Bertie has to give as his country is on the brink of war and Bertie needs to show strength. Hooper nicely balances shots of Bertie and Logue giving the speech with shots of people listening all over the world, which gives the audience the ability to see how well Bertie is doing. And because Firth and Rush are so good, we’re on the edge of our seats wanting him to succeed.

Some of David Seidler’s dialogue may sound a bit cheesy, and the musical score swells every time a dramatic moment occurs, but the drama, acting and directing are so good that you forgive the potential shortcomings with delight. “The King’s Speech” is one of the best and, perhaps even better, most fulfilling movies of the year.

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swford_4fun said:

	... This was a great movie. I've seen it twice and will probably see it again when it comes out on DVD. It was also a tickle to see Colin Firth reunited with Jennifer Ehle who played Darcy and Elizabeth, respectively, in an excellent BBC production of Pride and Prejudice.
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March 10, 2011
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Valeria Terry said:

	... Great review of The King's Speech - your reviews always seem to be line with my impressions and I look forward to seeing what you have to say. Great movie and great acting.
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March 10, 2011
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Valeria Terry said:

	... Great review - your reviews always seem to be in line with my impressions and I look forward to seeing what you have to say. Great movie and great acting.
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March 10, 2011
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yarok45 said:

	... One of the best movies for 2010. Great story, acting and production.
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March 09, 2011
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duchnowski said:

	... ALWAYS LOOKING TO TAKE MY AUNT TO AND THIS WAS ONE. gREAT HISTORICAL MOVIE.
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January 25, 2011
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shemoose said:

	... This is an Oscar shoo-in! I wish it had won more at the Golden Globes. At least Colin Firth got the win he deserved.
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January 21, 2011
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Ljoy2 said:

	... I was looking forward to seeing this movie, and after reading your article, even more so! I have always enjoyed Colin Firth's acting abilities - certainly easy on the eyes - and think his humor is particularly appealing.
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January 19, 2011
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songandancegirl said:

	... Definately adding it to my must-see list.
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January 17, 2011
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helene broomer said:

	... It's worth atleast $10 - it was an event - likek a broadway play. the actors floored me -
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January 06, 2011
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helene broomer said:

... OK - I am still speechless. LOL. Seriously - this movie was oscar caliber-I loved it and had to drag my husband kicking and screaming and you know what he loved it more than I did - what a surprise. We stood up and applauded - It was fantastic. Hoping to see no strings at Muvico in West Palm Beach on the 19th - if you are so inclined. I loved this website. I get to see movies, share my opinions and have fun at the same time and if I'm lucky see some screenings....

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January 06, 2011
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JillAventura said:

	... Definitely Academy Award Movie. Loved it.
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January 04, 2011
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