I was really looking forward to seeing "The Duke" for many reasons from the fact that it starred one of my favorite actresses, Helen Mirren, and her co-star, Jim Broadbent, always gives a good, sometimes great, performance. They were the leads in this film based on a true story and was being billed as a British comedy which is always a plus when it comes to movies! Also, in its favor it was only 1 hour and 36 minutes which meant it had to move fast. Last, but not least, there was included a story about one man fighting against the system with social overtones and, to a certain degree, showed how the British government did, or didn't, work.


I was ready to relax and enjoy all the above.


The true story is interesting but not worth 96 minutes! Oh yes, that 96 minutes seemed like 4 hours. There was only one time I, or anyone else, laughed but I won't tell you because might as well leave you something to look forward to. There is a twist that unless you know the story you won't see it coming and might not believe.
Mirren and Broadbent are good but there is a whole story between them that is only touched on and could have made for a more powerful story.


The trial section is entertaining to a point but not as funny as the spectators, the lawyers, judges, court personal and the prisoner to think it is.


"The Duke" is really slow moving, not funny, not dramatic and not really a movie worth seeing on TV as it certainly is not worth paying admission to see it in a movie house!