We aren't big movie goers and even when we do watch movies we tend to do so from the quiet of our own home. But we had heard such buzz about "The King's Speech" that we had to go and see for ourselves.
The buzz was right. This is simply an engaging, entertaining, enjoyable movie. It is amazing what good actors can do with good material, especially when the story isn't written to pander but rather to uplift. Colin Firth does a great job as King George VI -- he stammers in a way that makes you believe in the stammer; he isn't just an actor acting the part of the speech impediment. And Geoffrey Rush as his speech therapist does a great job of conveying the quiet pride of a person who knows what his job is and can do it -- no matter who the patient is. We also thought Helena Bonham Carter was great, in a restrained portrayal of the King's wife who supports him. It's quite a different take from her Bellatrix Lestrange in the Harry Potter series. [In fact, for Potter fans this movies was quite a reunion: Dumbledore plays Firth's father, King George V; and remarkably enough Wormtail plays Winston Churchill!!]
The producers have this movie on a limited engagement release -- no doubt trying to create a buzz for the Oscars. So it might not be available everywhere. But when it does come to you, see it -- we won't be surprise if it wins several awards for acting, screenplay, direction and best picture. It really is that good.
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