Resources: IMDb * Wikipedia
Premise: Dramatization of the real-life struggle between sisters Mary and Anne Boleyn and their love affairs with King Henry VIII of England.
Directed by: Justin Chadwick
Stars: Natalie Portman, Scarlet Johansson, Eric Bana
Review: Lush costuming but seems akin to watching a power-point presentation of the actual history. Portman has not really grown as an actress, and doesn't really possess the vampish qualities that the historical Anne Boleyn had. Johansson does well as sister Mary, but beyond pouting and tremulous lips, her role is very understated. Bana does well as Henry VIII, but has little to work with and the chemistry between all three actors is sorely lacking.
On the other hand, the supporting cast, from the Boleyn family to Catherine of Aragon, are all ably portrayed. I'm not sure if Portman and Johansson were miscast, or if the chopping of history by the screenplay doesn't give them enough to work with. Regardless of the reason, the film looks good, but is not filling, like a snack cake eaten for lunch.
Overall: Mediocre
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