Historical drama saved from mediocrity by Cate Blanchett's stellar performance
Despite its obvious shortcomings, Elizabeth: The Golden Age is so loud and extravagant, it can't help but be an enjoyable and emotional rollercoaster ride.
The sequel to Cate Blanchett's 1998 star vehicle stars Blanchett as Queen Elizabeth I of England. Assisted by her favoured lady-in-waiting Throckmorton (Abbie Cornish) to sort out her sumptuous costumes and her canny political adviser Walsingham (Geoffrey Rush) to check on her enemies, the queen has everything except love.
Passion comes in the form of the explorer Walter Raleigh (Clive Owen). Having returned from the New World, he presents the queen with potatoes, tobacco and Indians.
Charmed by Raleigh's charisma and tales of adventures, the queen finds herself losing control of her emotions and falling for him.
Meanwhile, Roman Catholic Spain, the most powerful country in Europe in the late 16th century, sees England as its prime enemy and is preparing to wage war on the Protestant country.