Monique's Reviews

Just as amazing as the first Kapur Elizabeth movie. Cate Blanchett is outstanding and really makes the role her own, with Clive Owen's Raleigh also worth a mention. What an incredible woman Elizabeth must have been - such strength of character and prepared (with some heart renching) to give up some of her own, intimate desires for the future of the Tudor dynasty and England. Detailed sets and costumes and I loved the use of the aerial camera angles.

This movie was nothing like I expected. I enjoyed seeing the different situational and cultural viewpoints on the same story, although as others have written you wonder where it's all going at first.

A surprisingly good adaptation of the book - it followed the storyline fairly closely (although not to the same amount of depth). The recreation of 18C France with all its smell and gore was pretty raw and some viewers may find some of the scenes disturbing (eg. after his first murder). Despite his horrific crimes I managed to find some empathy with him and his situation in the end.

A fun, light romantic comedy with a happy ending. The food shots are great and I liked the way the movie explored the relationship between Kate and her niece Zoe.

Generally well cast (Nicole Kidman was immaculate but wooden) with realistic special effects and animal animation this movie was quite good. Some fairly complex and disturbing themes were explored - exercise of free will, the power of authoritarian regimes, and involuntary modification of people. The director attempted to give this first of a trilogy some closure but I found the ending too abrupt to be satisfying. Looking forward to seeing how the 2nd and 3rd installments deliver.

This was a lively and fun movie but could be a bit scary in parts for under 5s (going through swirling water, gunshots and evil looking "baddies"). The animation is getting incredibly realistic these days and when supported by an entertaining story line (like this one) it makes for a great night in!