Tony and the Queen
The Queen
Review by Ross Anthony

After having heard so many good things about this film, I screened it while in release. I think that I was probably expecting something a little larger and more grandiose. Actually, the Queen is, at its heart, a sweet, subtle, charming little film. You may be expecting a tell-all of inside information regarding the circumstances that surrounded the death of Princess Diana. Well, that element is touched on in the film, but mostly this is an endearing look at diplomacy between two leaders -- two human beings. The film delights in showing off the contrasts between the worlds of the Queen and Tony Blair, but only as a backdrop to the tie that binds them.

It's at once a comedy and a human drama with heart. Apt at both making you chuckle and grin, the film remains light. I would have liked to see it take a stronger grip on the emotions of its viewers. Still though, there are moments of heart. For instance, there's a mighty moment with a beautiful animal in the countryside. However, the reprise of that animal makes for a scene which doesn't play well, subtracts from the thrust of the first. Probably there was a symbolic statement there that falls a bit lost.

Over all, it's a pleasure to watch, the quiet climax is sweet and Helen Mirren is absolutely regal as the queen. Michael Sheen as Tony Blair is also excellent and Roger Allam as Robin -- softly endearing.

This film screened at a Laemmle Theatre.

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  • The Queen. Copyright © 2006.
  • Starring Helen Mirren, James Cromwell, Michael Sheen, Alex Jennings, Roger Allam, Sylvia Syms, Tim McMullan, Robin Soans.
  • Directed by Stephen Frears.
  • Screenplay by Peter Morgan.
  • Produced by Andy Harries, Christine Langan, Tracey Seaward at Pathe/Granada/France 3/Canal Plus/BIM/Renn.

Grade..........................B+ (2.5/4)


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Copyright © 1998-2023 Ross Anthony, Author - Speaker - Solo World Circumnavigator In addition to reviewing films and interviewing celebs at HollywoodReportCard.com, traveling the world, composing great music, motivational speaking, Mr. Anthony also runs his own publishing company in the Los Angeles area. While traversing the circumference of the planet writing books and shooting documentaries, Mr. Anthony has taught, presented for, worked &/or played with locals in over 30 countries & 100 cities (Nairobi to Nagasaki). He's bungee-jumped from a bridge near Victoria Falls, wrestled with lions in Zimbabwe, crashed a Vespa off a high mountain road in Taiwan, and ridden a dirt bike across the States (Washington State to Washington DC). To get signed books ("Rodney Appleseed" to "Jinshirou") or schedule Ross to speak check out: www.RossAnthony.com or call 1-800-767-7186. Go into the world and inspire the people you meet with your love, kindness, and whatever it is you're really good at. Check out books by Ross Anthony. Rand() functions, Pho chicken soup, rollerblading, and frozen yogurt (w/ blueberries) also rock! (Btw, rand is short for random. It can also stand for "Really Awkward Nutty Dinosaurs" -- which is quite rand, isn't it?) Being alive is the miracle. Special thanks to Ken Kocanda, HAL, Jodie Keszek, Don Haderlein, Mom and Pops, my family, R. Foss, and many others by Ross Anthony. Galati-FE also deserves a shout out. And thanks to all of you for your interest and optimism. Enjoy great films, read stirring novels, grow.


Last Modified: Friday, 27-Oct-2006 10:43:06 PDT