The Other Boleyn Girl (2008)

If you liked Elizabeth with Cate Blanchet The Other Boleyn Girl will give you the history that precedes it about Henry IIX and how he came to father Elizabeth I. Unfortunately, The Other Boleyn Girl has none of the gorgeous art direction, lush scenery nor the raw acting talent to match Blanchet. What it does have is Natalie Portman never quite convincing you that Henry would have split from the Catholic Church for her as Anne Boleyn (Elizabeth’s mother). She just can’t pull off being irresistible and sensual in that way. Scarlett Johansson could have done it, but she was instead cast as the demure and “pure” sister which she can do, but she is wasted there. Eric Bana gives his best impression of a doorknob as Henry and offers no chemistry for Portman to react to whatsoever. Kristin Scott Thomas on the other hand is very convincing as Lady Boleyn – Anne’s mother. If all you are looking for is a history lesson this will do, but beware: These are not nice people and you may want to shower after you’re done. It is a shame that the movie itself fails to match the grandeur and moral bankruptsy of the story it tries to tell.

Niels Hansen is the co-owner of Hansen Creative Services, a graphic design firm near Columbus, Ohio which specializes in employee communications and small business marketing.