Elizabeth

I went to see Elizabeth – The Golden Age this evening. It’s certainly worth seeing, but sadly not a patch on the original. The fear and suspicion of its predecessor are gone, as are the shadows around Walsingham. England stands for liberty and freedom of thought rather than Protestant truth. And Cate Blanchett doesn’t look like a woman in her fifties when the Spanish boats come over the horizon. They could have done more with the naval battle. Redeeming features – great cinematography in places, sets and costumes as good as you could ask for, two scenes with Dr. John Dee, and the most evil bad guys I have seen since the child-catcher in Chitty-Chitty Bang-Bang. Those Spanish dudes are really evil. Even little Isabella is kind of scary. Fails to convince in the way Elizabeth did, but still worth seeing, especially when you think of some the dross showing at the minute.