Release Date:
Friday, October 12, 2007
The new costume drama Elizabeth: The Golden Age will most likely be admired by those who have actually already reached their own 'golden age', say around 60 or so. This one is squarely aimed at the kind of crowd who loves seeing big, blustering epics where monarchs dress in what looks like opulently appointed outdoor tents and ferociously shout lines like, "I have a hurricane in me that will strip Spain bare if you dare to try me!" No problem, we believe you. In this sequel of sorts to 1998's much artier and more impressive Elizabeth, Cate Blanchett returns as the Virgin Queen whose empire is being threatened by the Spanish Armada led by King Philip, who wants to return England to the Catholic church. While preparing to go to war, she also seems to take a shine to Sir Walter Raleigh (Clive Owen), the swashbuckling seafaring adventurer who comes to her aid, as well as that of Liz's bosomy lady in waiting (beautiful Abbie Cornish). Also along for this regal romp are her trusty advisor (Geoffrey Rush returning from the first film) and the betraying cousin, Mary Queen of Scots (well played by Samantha Morton), who is found out for the traitor she is and spends most of her scenes just trying to keep a head on her shoulders. Set in the 16th century, a time of pomp and circumstance, this is a richly designed, plush looking spectacle that looks like the kind of costume epic Hollywood stopped making decades ago—probably for good reason.