The King's Speech

Colin Firth is spectacular as King George VI, a man afflicted with a major speech impediment when he took over the throne. With the help of an unconventional speech therapist (Geoffrey Rush), George overcomes his stutter just in time for World War II. Firth offers a mighty believable depiction of George’s speech affliction, a result of nervousness and constant pressure from his dad (Michael Gambon). Rush is as touching and funny as he has ever been as Lionel Logue, the man who helped build the king’s confidence. Firth and Rush are incredible together, inhabiting their roles with a realism and warmth that is consistently entertaining. Helena Bonham Carter is no slouch as Queen Elizabeth, with Guy Pearce also quite good as George’s misbehaving brother, King Edward VIII. This is one of the better ensemble films that 2010 had to offer, and worthy of its Best Picture Oscar win.