Movie Review: The Duke

 

Michael's Movie Grade: B+

A really funny lowkey British comedy. 

There are few words that describe this film better than charming. It is simply one of those movies that make you feel good as you are walking out. Much of this is due to our main character (Jim Broadbent). This is a character who it is impossible not to like. Even when he messes things up, he does it in the most likable and well-intentioned way that we forgive him without even thinking about it. It is also easy to admire his ability to always stand up for what he believes is right even if it will get him into trouble or even lose a job. The character is also vastly entertaining. He has a quick wit that can make both the other characters and the audience laugh. Some of his comments are truly hilarious and laughter filled the movie theater I was in. While the film may start out slow in the laugh department as it goes along the movie gets funnier and funnier until it is flat out hilarious. The climatic scene is especially funny. However this movie has a real heart to it as well the discussions about our main character's daughter who has passed hits you right in the heart. Meanwhile his relationship with his wife, while not perfect is truly heartwarming and you can easily tell how much these two care for each other beneath all their asides to each other.  

On the downside, while our main character is very likable much of the supporting characters come off as bland stereotypes of movie characters with nothing interesting about them.

All in all this is simply a fun and charming movie. 

This is sadly the last film for director Roger Michell, who passed away last year. His other movies include Notting Hill (1999), My Cousin Rachel (2017) and Venus (2006).