7.5 / 10

Ah, the Golden Age. Has it really been almost 500 years?

“Elizabeth: The Golden Age” came to theaters Friday, and it was the 1500s all over again. Well, at least it felt like it as I sat in an empty theater. Maybe it was plague related.

No background story is needed for this review because if you aren’t aware of the Spanish Inquisition, the Armada or Queen Elizabeth, you won’t like this movie anyway. Much of the story assumes knowledge of the subject matter, which could hurt the movie’s cause in getting random 16-year-olds to go see it.

However, what was surprising was how good it was. This sequel to “Elizabeth” is filled with beautiful sets and great acting. There are parts where an audience member will have to take themselves out of the beauty of the set to pay attention to the story. Also, Clive Owen is really a great Sir Walter Raleigh who, according to the movie, goes on to not only found Virginia, but also defeat the Spanish Armada completely on his own.

Cate Blanchett makes this movie her own. I know she was great in “The Life Aquatic,” and her uncredited role in “Hot Fuzz” (think about it) was neat, but this film is all hers. Blanchett keeps the audience’s attention throughout. Historical suspense movies aren’t everyone’s cup of tea (thanks, “Braveheart”), but this movie isn’t boring like “Beowulf” will be, and it isn’t pretentious like “Quills” was.

The only setback of this movie was the romantic sub-plot, which seemed to be right out of a Michael Bay blockbuster. It’s too bad that there must be an odd-placed love triangle in this movie about the Spanish Inquisition.

It only provides a filler for some parts, but works if you’re dating a female history major. Other than that, this movie is recommended.