The King's Speech (12A) reviewed (From Your Local Guardian)

The King's Speech (12A) reviewed

9:41am Wednesday 12th January 2011

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In this cinematic age of big special effects, explosions, car chases and blue naked CGI characters, it is nice to know that a film like The King’s Speech can still reel in £3.5 million at the UK box office on opening weekend.

And when you sit through the film it is very easy to see why - a winning combination of old-fashioned acting talents and a romping good story.

Straight from the off we see Prince Albert Duke of York (Colin Firth), Bertie to his family and friends, preparing himself to address a vast public crowd at the 1924 Empire Exhibition at Wembley Stadium.

The crowd look up at him in anticipation of a royal address; we see the anguish and agony in Bertie’s face as he nervously starts to stammer his way through his speech, pausing with long uncomfortable silences.

It’s a moment that fills you with embarrassment and along with the loyal crowd you’re willing him to finish.

It’s from this point that the film grabs the audience sympathy and stays with you to the end.

Forced into a new age of the mass audience due to the magic of radio, Albert is forced to seek help from various experts, but there seems to be no light at the end of the tunnel.

But the introduction of speech therapist Lionel Logue (Geoffrey Rush) changes all that, and we witness a relationship bloom between the two of them and the realisation for Bertie that Lionel is the first real friend he has ever had.

Playing out against a historical backdrop of succession to the throne and impending war, The King’s Speech is a really gripping film and a masterclass in acting.

Not only do Firth and Rush dazzle, but we also get the delights of Timothy Spall as Winston Churchill and Derek Jacobi as the Archbishop.

What is it they say? Whenever you get at least half a dozen great British actors in one movie you can bet your life at least two of them have also appeared in a Harry Potter film (in this case three).

Having already helped themselves to a clutch of awards, it would be a big disappointment if Firth and Rush were not Oscar-nominated as best actor and best supporting actor role respectively.

And don’t be fooled by the subject matter - this film will make you laugh out loud especially in the swearing scene which is part of Logue’s unorthodox treatment.

If you are still undecided about which film to rush out and see this weekend I urge you to put this top of your list. A no contest ten out of ten from me.

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