The Queen (2006)

An absolutely pitch-perfect perfomance by Helen Mirren, surrounded by solid work all around make this character examination of England's royalty's reaction to the end of Princess Diana's life a wonderful study of English culture itself. Michael Sheen shines as a newly elected Tony Blair. All good things aside, though, it lacks any kind of real emotional payoff for what is essentially a tragedy from the first ten minutes on. Your mileage may vary on the film itself, but the acting and scripting are definitely worth a watch.

8 out of 10.