I received “The Queen” as a birthday present on Saturday! I couldn’t wait to watch and review it.

My verdict? Brilliant. The acting is indeed superb for most of the characters, and the scenery is breathtaking. Of course, if you live in England you are privileged to be able to see these scenes in person.

While the acting was right on, as we Americans say, there were two characters in particular who seemed to be more of a paraody than the actual person.

Cherie Blair, played by Helen McCrory, was highly sarcastic and not at all impressed by Her Majesty, warmly portrayed by Helen Mirren. She bordered on the rude when brought before the Queen for the first time with her Prime Minister husband Tony(Michael Sheen). The streak of republicanism within Cherie’s nature was brought out to the extreme in this character.

Then there was Alex Jennings’ Prince Charles. He masterfully captured the Prince’s torment at losing such an iconic part of his life so violently. However, the style in which it was delivered made “Charles” look like he had just suffered a mild stroke. His lips frequently fell to the side in order to accurately project the Prince’s speaking voice. While it was spot on, it occasionally made me giggle.

Then there was the majestic Dame Helen herself. Tears pricked my eyes when I saw “Elizabeth” break down in tears while sitting on the river. You feel for her so much, knowing full well that Her Majesty must’ve had moments like this in solitude. Helen makes you proud of the Queen, and makes you feel a little sorry for her, too. Never fear though, because your sympathy will give way to awe as the Queen pulls herself and the monarchy together to do what must be done – honor Diana.

She’s human, she’s vulnerable, but the Queen is still a cut above the rest with her steely resolve. I wouldn’t want her any other way.

-Mandy