Victoria and Abdul (2017)

[Blergh]

Judi Dench reprises her role depicting the pint-sized monarch in her twilight years who becomes newly enthralled with the Indian subcontinent beyond it being the jewel of her empire- thanks in no small part to her interest via the Indian servant named Abdul (Ali Fazal). Of course, this is not something her government, court or family are happy with.

[Goldmoon]

I borrowed this from the library a few days ago, and my love of Dame Dench aside, I did not really like this movie.  The problem is twofold, I think.  The main problem I had was with the characterization of Abdul.  He seemed to be one thing from the beginning, then there is a zig, and a zag, so to speak, and we learn he is a liar.  I didn't know what to think of him by the end and I have to believe his characterization was unclear.  The second problem was that in these Girl Power/Me Too times (of which I approve), the sass from Victoria sounded a little too much like Hollywood Political Correctness.  Her line reading when she was standing up to those who disapproved of Abdul sounded like Line Readings, not real dialogue.