Review of Elizabeth: The Golden Age (2007) by Robert G — 27 Apr 2010

Whilst beautifully made and well acted this feels like an illconcieved sequel when compared to the first. Lacking the political intrigue that raised the first head a shoulders above other period dramas.

With character motivations and relationships that are either under explored or worse even explained. Rush's Walsingham lacks the quiet menace that he had in the first, the 'romance' between Blanchett and Owen, as Drake, feels forced and presents Elizabeth as little more than a teen in an adults body.

The only standout performance is from Samantha Morton in a small but pivitol roles as Mary Queen of Scots, the unwitting pawn of the Spanish. A missed opportunity especially during what should have been the films set piece, the defeat of the Spanish armada.