Such a frustrating disappointment

If you don't like this, we can't be friends.

everything you have heard about this movie is true.

It's hard to see any effort in the film. There's no comedy to speak of, no real drama and, worst of all.

Great cast, good photography, but the film depicts the English as all good and the Spanish as evil religious zealots, a caricature of history. The Spanish Armada was decimated by a storm, and not by Sir Walter Raleigh's ingenuity. He played a minor role, if any, in the whole battle.

*Spoiler/plot- Elizabeth, The Golden Age, 2007. Follows the times of Queen Elizabeth's court and the launching and outcome of the Spanish sea Armada battles. Walter Raleigh, Francis Walsingham, King Philip of Spain, Mary Queen of Scots intrigues are interwoven for a film plot.*Special Stars- Cate Blanchett, Geoffrey Rush, Jordi Molla. *Theme- Being defensive and acting prepares a country for war.*Trivia/location/goofs- Made in England. To save money, only one ship replica was built. It was Raleigh's English vessel on one side and a Spanish galleon on the other. When filming wide shots of the deck, smoke was used to cover up any separation in design. Mary, Queen of Scots, was not originally part of the Babington Conspiracy. Walsingham, who wanted her executed, got one of the conspirators to act as a double agent, and entrap her.*Emotion- A lush and dramatic story of this era. Some historic 'liberties' have been taken to make the film plot more predictable and therefore somewhat boring near the end. Because the outcome is well known from history.*Based On- On a true story from a book.

It's 1585. An older Queen Elizabeth (Cate Blanchett) navigates royal court intrigue and international affairs. Sir Walter Raleigh (Clive Owen) is the new man in her life with years of raiding Spanish gold. Spain is preparing to invade with its Armada, and Elizabeth is threatened by hidden dangers.Cate Blanchett returns to play an older Elizabeth from her amazing turn in 'Elizabeth' (1998). She has taken on the personality of the Queen. She has the presence of royalty. The story isn't as compelling as the earlier movie. It doesn't have the same intensity. It's more about the costumes and less about the drama. The Spanish Armada could have been a great counter supplying the movie with much needed action. There is far too little of it, and most of it end up being less than exciting. Cate Blanchett is still great but the movie isn't as great as the actress.

Elizabeth: The Golden Age – TRASH IT (C-) After watching Elizabeth it was hard to believe that the same director can make such shallow, tedious Elizabeth movie. Everything we fall in love with Elizabeth was gone in this movie. Nonetheless Cate Blanchett was superb and astonishing as she was in Elizabeth but it's the mediocre script which wastes so much time on mockery and love story between the pirate, the Queen and her Lady. Abbie Cornish is overrated, she is boring and even as Queen's lady she doesn't have the elegance. She is sure pretty but not elegant. Clive Owen is misfit and I actually don't really like him. I don't think he ever gave a Hit movie. And this man has worked with Angelina Jolie, Julia Roberts, Keira Knightely, Nicole Kidman and here with Cate Blanchett. I mean he has worked with all big directors and actress but never sure shot hit in years. Overall, don't waste your time on this disappointing venture. The only thing good is Cate Blanchett and the costumes.