ozthegreatat42330

First of all, I do not like Ben Stiller. Generally he is too silly for my taste. But when presented with good material and such excellent co-stars as Dick Van Dyke, Mickey Rooney and Robin Williams what's not to like. This film is pure fun, never mind the inane premise. It makes one wish that they too could be in that museum when the displays come to life, if only briefly. Despite it's several set backs in production the film really delivers. And lest I forget the appearance of Owen Wilson also roundly spices up the action and the story. Dexter the monkey was enchanting. All in all an innocent and very enjoyable family type film. I highly suggest this one for all ages.

This film is simply superb, and Cate Blanchette is truly both vulnerable and formidable as the virgin queen. With an outstanding supporting cast including Geoffrey Rush, John Gielgud and Edward Hardwicke among others this film shines as both pageant and as pure drama. In a period of uncertainty, after the death of her brother Edward VI and the coming to the throne of her much older and vindictive Catholic sister Mary, the young princess's life hangs in a precarious balance. After Mary;s death Elizabeth becomes the target of numerous plots by the Catholic forces in England and from abroad including the Pope(Guielgud). Weathering them all she proves to England and the World that she is her father's daughter. If you are at all interested in history, this is one not to miss!

It has been stated by many that the story here was weak, the script lacking, but in truth it is an accurate portrayal of the sacrifices of the men and their families that protected this nation during the years of the cold war. There was no better person to have the lead role in this film than Jimmy Stewart. A decorated bomber pilot in WWII and a Brigader General in the Air Force reserve, he was best able to understand the thinking an d actions of the character in this film. While she was excellent in her part, June Alyson's Mrs. Holland was too much of the 1950's "Donna Reed/Leave it to Beaver/Father Knows Best" picture of the ideal family life. Just as artificial as the housewife of TV fare preparing dinner in a cocktail frock and high heels.

There were also fine performances from J.C. Flippen, Frank Lovejoy, Harry Morgan and Rosemary DeCamp, all well known character actors most of whom also had well known TV careers. The film was, of course, a propaganda film, but not all propaganda is necessarily bad. And the flying sequences are all superb. Another fine Stewart performance.