I was expecting some cheesy costume drama. But it was quite enjoyable. I actually liked the soundtrack, a lot. Everything was quite lavish - the costumes, the settings. It doesn't have the same charm as the 1998 film (Elizabethan period movies were all the rage back then), but it still holds up on its own, which is a lot more than I can say about most Hollywood sequels.
shareAgreed. Alexandra Byrne definitely deserved her Best Achievement in Costume Design Oscar.
I think Joseph Fiennes had a lot to do with the first film having more charm. I think it also benefitted from the fact (or opinion) that it felt more like an ensemble with Geoffrey Rush and Richard Attenborough, and a newcomer called Cate Blanchett. Whereas, even though Clive Owen does a great job, Cate carries this film and would have won herself an Oscar if not for Marion Cotillard.
Christopher Eccleston, Vincent Cassel, Kelly McDonald, Emily Mortimer... all from the First Film.
shareWell, yeah, not that bad. There's considerable amount of silliness and bad history here that should make me hate it, but I can't. It is a very remarkable visual experience, the acting is fine and the silliness is partially counteracted by some genuinely effective moments.