The design and cinematography are stunning, the costumes are worth the movie price alone, but nothing in the world is more brilliant than watching Cate Blanchett work as Queen. The more human story-telling angle chosen to express Elizabeth's more mature reign, and the ultimate loneliness of supreme power, was an interesting tac. Ms. Blanchett is as regal, stunning, and amazing as ever was. Her mind blowing talent for conveying a tsunami of emotion with seemingly "doing" little at all is definitely a card that Mr. Kapur is extremely lucky to have available. However, some of his directorial choices left the movie with a thinner connection to other characters, as compared to his more successful first Elizabeth triumph, but on the whole not a bad job. A strong cast does help Mr. Kapur in his weaker story-telling moments. "The Golden Age" is worth the ticket price, and visually won't disappoint. Cate Blanchett works her magic full out, which alone makes this one a worth it.

Costume, set and makeup alone areriveting and we get Cate's return, the incredible Geoffrey Rush (the magnetic Barbossa, "Twelfth Night", "Quills", "Munich" and a must see as Peter Sellers in "The Life And Death Of peter Sellers") and the added bonus of Clive Owen. Acting and directing, costume design and makeup stand up to the first but don't expect the story to be as intriguing. The storyline content is not as engaging as the first and some artistic liberties are taken with historical facts. Some cheesier dialogue dissapoints as well and Rush's role is reduced. If you can forgive the script, Blanchett is as captivating of a presence as ever and I liked Morton as Mary. Expect Blanchett to be nominated for a lead Oscar but win for supporting again for her role as Bob Dylan in "I'm Not There".

I loved this movie! I didn't know what to expect. It was so beautifully done. From the acting to the directing to the costumes to the cinematography. Esquisite. Cate Blanchett and Clive Owen were superb. She definitely deserves an academy award nomination for this one. I felt her pain and the burden she had to bear for England. if you want to see some great acting with a great story, don't miss this one.

Cate Blanchet gives a deep and dynamic portrayal of Queen Elizabeth I. While her portrayal is quite different than Helen Miren (in the HBO Miniseries), she is consistent and excellent in her interpretation of this magnificent Monarch. But, don't expect to be blown away with this film. Like all sequels, this one suffers from trying to pack too much into one film. It is beautifully filmed and the dialogue is wonderful, but the story depends the viewer have a solid understanding of British History. I have a feeling a lot of scenes were left on the cutting room floor. The film leaves you wanting more explaination and a powerful punch or a gut reaction to the Queen. But it fell short. They tried to recreate the feeling of first movie. You felt a gut reaction when Cate Blanchet uttered, "I am my Father's daughter, I am not afraid of anything." And the end scene when she turns herself into a virgin. This film has no such powerful moments. I recommend seeing it. Enjoy the vision.

This is far and away the most powerful and awe striking movie ever made about Elizabeth I. Cate Blanchett was indescribably brilliant in portraying not only the awesome power of Elizabeth I; but also her vulnerability, her loneliness, and her fears. Cate and the other cast members and crew of this movie will not only be nominated for major awards, but they will win some as well. I am glad I went to see it by myself because it moved me so much I was balling my head off at the end. I believe that people that understand Elizabeth I as I do will also have similar emotional reactions to it. And, I think it is going to be a huge box office hit. Time will be the one telling the real story about this movie!!