The Queen

Before I get to The Queen, I saw Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End over the weekend. I thought it was pretty good, better than the second and probably as good as the first. I'd heard people talking about how long it was and I knew it was supposed to be around 2:40 or so, but it moved pretty quickly. Lots of fun all around, I thought.

I'm about in the middle of The Queen, and I'm really enjoying it a lot. Too bad there's something wrong with the DVD. Here's my notes so far:

They call hunting "stalking".

Prince Philip comes off as a sort of bartardish character. Sometimes I like him, sometimes I don't.

Tony Blair appears nervous and unsure of himself when around the queen, but comes off pretty good. He seems like he really wants to help Her Majesty.

Cherie Blair: I'm sure she's a nice lady in real life, but she comes off as a bit bitchy in the movie. Doesn't like the Queen, takes every opportunity to pick and prod and jibe at her, and mocks her husband whenever he expresses any sympathy for her.

The Queen Mum is funny, fun, and likable.

The Queen's secretary, Robin Janvrin, is a great character. He has to balance between serving the queen and advising her in her dealings with the public. His speech, his mannerisms, the way he carries himself--I think it's all great.

Prince Charles: I think he comes off better than everyone else in the movie, with the exception maybe of Herself. I wrote down "sensitive, emotional, vulnerable, sympathetic." He realizes that the public's reaction over Diana's death isn't going to subside and knows that the royal family has to treat her memory with respect. Post-divorce, he seems to hold a higher opinion of Diana than his parents do.

The Queen is the Queen. I don't know how to describe her. Helen Mirren is great and won the Oscar for Best Actress.

This is a really good movie. No really tough, unwatchable parts that make me pause it in the middle. I like it.