Sunday, February 13, 2011

Rated D #3 - The King's Speech

This weekend I went to see a movie called "The King's Speech" and missed out on seeing "The Dilemma". SPOILER ALERT: King George VI enlists the help of an actor in order to control his speech impedement while sitting on the brink of WWII.

Though a dramatic period-piece about the Royal Family's speech problems in the 1930's doesn't sound like a rip-roaring good time, this is quite possibly one of the best movie's I've ever seen and definitely keeps with the theme of movies that can teach or reinforce those life lessons.

The movie follows the story of Albert Frederick Arthur George (or "Bertie" for short) who will eventually ascend to the thrown to be the face and voice of the United Kingdom while trying to conquer his life long stammering problem. Lionel Logue, an aging speech pathologist and actor, aides the future King with his unorthodox methods while Bertie's fears and pride clash in explosions of emotions. Though heart-breakingly uncomfortable at times, the overall (and overwelming feeling) the audience is left with at the end of the movie is inspiration.

Regardless of whether you believe your problems to be mental or physical, Life and Responsibility is not a jury and will not except your excuses or reasons no matter how valid they are. Though the path to success and accomplishment is windy and rough, and though we may at times have to backtrack or start all over again, our duties are still waiting there at the end to face us whether we are ready for them or not. Confidence is not always something we just have - often it's something we need to build within ourselves with the aide of the trust we put in those who help us. In the words of Aaron Sorkin, "Act as if ye have faith and faith shall be given to you." But don't forget to work on it.

"...I am the seat of all authority because they think that when I speak, I speak for them. But I can't speak!" - Colin Firth as King George VI

Technically Speaking...
A superbly crafted story and script that somehow takes what one would think to be boring subject matter and balances the material perfectly to be both dramatic and laugh-out-loud funny. In a word - Excellent.

Review - I give it 10 st-st-st-st-s-s--stars out of t-t-t-t-10

Still Haven't Seen It Yet?
TOY STORY 3 - Nothing bad to say about this prison break style bookend to the Disney Trilogy. Even if you haven't seen the other two, you'll still laugh and smile while being amazed by what PIXAR can do with cartoons.

What's to Come?
Classic Countdowns - I'll start to compile some lists of my favorites in certain categories. Welcome to suggestions for any topics!

Next Time on Rated D...
No Strings Attached - Natalie Portman, Ashton Kutcher, and Kyle's friend Ludacris.

Gorilla Man

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