wiggumpd Reviews

Venus (I) (2006)

Peter O'Toole falls in love with 20 year old

[10/10 · 8 September 2006]

Peter O'Toole, as a great actor, has a certain transcendent charisma that has not diminished with age. It is well worth it to see this movie just for him. The life affirming message implicit in his brilliance preserved in old age goes well with the main theme of the film itself, which is the perseverance of vitality in the elderly.

The movie is a black comedy, and achieves both the blackness and the comedy perfectly. A scene where O'Toole accidentally barges into a room where his young love interest is modeling nude (while trying to spy on her)is especially hilarious. And his attempts to deal with catheter troubles are darkly hilarious. The movie is a poignant portrait of old age and an uplifting story of young love.

The Queen (2006)

Behind the scenes look at turmoil in royal family after Princess Di's death

[10/10 · 8 September 2006]

The Queen is a riveting look behind the scenes of one of the most sensational tragedies Britain has ever seen. You completely accept the actors playing the real life characters (especially the superb Helen Mirren as Queen Elizabeth II) and become absorbed in the story. If you are one to get caught up in the high drama of the royal family, then this movie, while bitingly but humorously critical of you, should not be missed. Coming in, I thought I would not manage to muster enthusiasm about issues of royal etiquette. But The Queen manages to make these issues universal and important. And, granted, everybody already knows that royalty are people too. But The Queen makes this obvious fact fresh and meaningful. There is a potential Oscar for Helen Mirren here.