MOVIE REVIEWS: THE KING’S SPEECH

IN THEATERS

THE KING’S SPEECH



Emmy Award-winning director Tom Hooper (John Adams) teams with screenwriter David Seidler (Tucker: A Man and His Dreams) to tell the story of King George VI. When his older brother abdicates the throne, nervous-mannered successor George "Bertie" VI (Colin Firth) reluctantly dons the crown. Though his stutter soon raises concerns about his leadership skills, King George VI eventually comes into his own with the help of unconventional speech therapist Lionel Logue (Geoffrey Rush). Before long the king and Lionel have forged an unlikely bond, a bond that proves to have real strength when the United Kingdom is forced to flex its international might. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi

Director: Tom Hooper

Cast: Colin Firth, Geoffrey Rush, Helena Bonham Carter, Guy Pearce, Timothy Spall.

Release Date: Nov 26, 2010

Rated R for Language

Runtime: 1 hr. 51 min

Genres: Drama

Review:

The King’s Speech is the definition of an award’s/actor’s movie. It’s the type of film that allows actors to flex their considerable muscle. Colin Firth is front and center with a character that’s complex, distant and thoroughly conflicted. Firth is only half of what makes this film work. The always impressive Geoffrey Rush is stellar working with Firth. Their chemistry is what drives the film and while there are larger historical event that are addressed this friendship is central to the story. It’s wonderful relationship to watch and especially once Rush’s character starts to break down “Bertie’s” walls. Firth is most impressive during a one on one exchange with Rush after the death of King. Helena Bonham Carter is impressive in limited screen time as the supporting and loving queen. Director Tom Hooper doesn’t have much work to do but he still crafts an elegant film that lovely to watch and rarely drags. Hooper most impressive work is at the beginning and end of the film by making thing like a microphone and typed words seem incredibly terrifying. He allows the audience to feel every bit of trepidation and fear that the character feels as he struggles through each work. The finale is like watching a maestro direct an orchestra that has you hanging on each and every word.

A