Have any of you seen this movie?  I rented it from On Demand Saturday night and I didn't like it nearly as much as the first one.  I think I actually prefer the TV movie Elizabeth I with Helen Mirren now that I have watched both the movies starring Cate Blanchett. 

I think the one with Helen Mirren was BRILLIANT, if I do say so myself.  I haven't seen this one, but Dh was telling me that he put it in our Netflix queue.

The storyline with Clive Owen killed it.  His acting killed it on top of that.  Cate Blanchett was great as usual.  They didn't need that storyline in that movie and I bet that killed al plans for the last of the trilogy that was planned.

I saw it and liked it, but not nearly as much as I enjoyed the first Elizabeth movie.

I thought it was OK, but not nearly as good as the first.

I happened upon the HBO Elizabeth 1 movie accidentally, recorded it and loved it---and was dismayed at the end when the screen flashed up 'Next time....' and I learned it was a two-parter--anybody know where I could get part 2 cost effectively, w/o having to buy the DVD? I've checked the websites I know of that offer TV and movie downloads and don't see it on those, would appreciate it.

I liked it, but not as much as the first. The parts with Clive Owen were confusing because he acted like he was inlove with Elizabeth and then all of a sudden he's with her favorite Lady in waiting.  I definitely had more questions about this one.

anyone that has seen it: what was up with the way Philip of Spain walked? is there some disease or something that he had in real life? I tried looking it up but couldn't find anything.

also, what was with Philip's daughter carrying around the doll of Elizabeth? What was that signifigance?

I watched this last evening and it was not a good as the first but the costumes were awesome and worth watching!

I'm turned off by the changes in history for sure. Eliminating Robert Dudley from ER's future was a big mistake at the end of the first movie. Aside from simply not being true, it removes all the drama that surrounded them throughout their lives, and also the character of Essex. The truth is FAR better storytelling.

The correlation of Elizabeth and The Virgin is purposeful and IMHO was intentional in her lifetime to perpetuate even more devotion.

As for Raleigh, he was one fo the Queen's favorites, as was Essex (not portrayed here) and in such all of these men professed to "love" their Queen. I do not beleive that ER expected them to be physically faithful to her, it was a charade to flatter her. Raleigh did marry Bess Throckmorton in secret and they were sent to the tower until her hissy fit subsided.

Isabelle's Elizabeth doll was creepy at best and the plot device was lost on me. Made no sense.

I thought Geoffrey Rush was brilliant once again.

LOVED LOVED LOVED the costumes!!!

I'm glad that i'm not the only one who didn't get the doll thing

I haven't seen it yet, but I do have the book. Maybe I should read the book for the story and watch the movie for the costume's. ;-)

I agree the costumes were brilliant as was Ms Blanchett's acting as usual.  I did wonder where Essex was in this whole time frame especially as Robert Dudley sort of introduced him at court if I am not mistaken.  The doll was creepy, but maybe she was supposed to represent a "fashion doll".  I'm not sure if those were being used this earlier in history or not.  Phillip was short in stature and bandy legged I believe from too much horse back riding too young if I am remembering correctly.  Maybe this is what the actor was trying to portray?  It was good to see Christopher Hatton portrayed in the movie as he did have a major role during the Armada.  I think he was Elizabeth's only courtier to remain "faithful" to his queen and never marry.