The script is phenomenal.  It’s history, after all.  True events are always more compelling to me than something that is merely made up.  Cate Blanchett reprises the role that made her a movie star and she is even better, if that is possible, this time around.  What an amazing actress, and what an amazing character she gets to play!  Elizabeth is definitely larger than life.  In this story, she’s a mature queen, confident and cool.  Abbie Cornish is her favorite lady-in-waiting, “Bess,” a young lady devoted to her queen.  Clive Owen is the intriguing Sir Walter Raleigh, the one man who catches the attention of both of them.  It’s an interesting love triangle.

When I asked Shekhar Kapur about this triangle, he explained that his take on it was that Elizabeth and Bess are actually the same person.  Elizabeth represents the spiritual, the divine.  Bess represents the mortal, the material.  In order to rule England, and lead victoriously in this war against Philip of Spain, she must not be distracted by her mortal self, she must be immortal.  So as Bess ultimately “wins” Sir Walter, Elizabeth is free to serve, to follow her destiny. How insightful, how intense.  I vote for this guy for best director!

The mythology involved in this tale, the imagery, the scenery, the camera work, the costumes – all the absolute best.  Well done.  Brilliant.

Eddie Murphy is James Thunder Early.  My friend Kevin-Anthony played this role on Broadway.  I got a kick out of watching Eddie in the role and picturing Kevin up there.  Flamboyant, eccentric – he was amazing – a great character, and so fun to watch.  Oscar winner Jamie Foxx is Curtis Taylor, the manager who takes the Dreams to the top of the charts.  Great choice, he’s got the voice, the presence, the charm… and just the right amount of slick.  The real revelation in the film is Jennifer Hudson, former American Idol contestant, making her movie debut as Effie.  I have never seen a movie where the audience breaks out into applause in the middle of the film – but that’s exactly what happened when Jennifer Hudson sings her show-stopping solo.  She literally steals the show.  She is a wonderful actress, and I expect her to get a nomination for Best Supporting Actress come Oscar time.

There are some great laughs in the movie – and some genuine tears.  The music is fantastic – you’ll want to get the soundtrack.  Costumes, sets, all first rate.  This is one of my favorite movies of the year – a must-see!