THE YOUNG VICTORIA (UK 2009) **
Directed by Jean-Marc Vallee
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Quebec director Jean-Marc Vallee (LISTE NOIRE and his recent hit C.R.A.Z.Y.) goes big time with the British costume period piece THE YOUNG VICTORIA about, obviously the early years of the monarch (Emily Brunt).  The film concentrates on her rise to the thrown and her romance with Prince Albert (Rupert Friend from CHERI).

But Vallee’s film plods along tediously during the first part.  It is only after Victoria’s marriage to the Belgian prince that the film takes flight, taking on the passion and drama that was initially missing.  For all that it is worth, the costumes, sets and props are stunning and Vallee has a good camera eye for the film’s royal look.  Pity he fails to connect the audience with the YOUNG VICTORIA. 

For a film based only on a small portion of Queen Victoria’s life, Vallee’s story feels as if he has assumed the audience’s familiarity with all the details of that period.  The supporting cast of the excellent Paul Bettany (as Lord Melbourne), Miranda Richardson (as the Duchess of Kent) and Jim Broadbent (as King William) try their best at lifting the film out of the doldrums.  Surprisingly, it is Friend who saves the day.

Still, the film should be seen for all its glory especially during the holiday period.  The film opened way back in spring in the U.K. and did just ok business.