When we last left off, Elizabeth entered into the “Virgin Queen” stage. Cate Blanchett reprises her role as the Queen, and now she faces family betrayal and a challenge to her throne by the Spanish King Philip II. Sir Francis Walsingham (Geoffrey Rush) is back by her side, and Elizabeth also seeks affection and advice from Sir Walter Raleigh (Clive Owen). Who’s it for: If you like slow period pieces (I know there aren’t many of us) then this falls in to your bread and butter.

Expectations: Even though I remember liking “Elizabeth,” I don’t recall what happened in the film and I was very shocked to find out a sequel with Blanchett, Rush and director Shekhar Kapur was happening.

SCORECARD

Actors: Cate Blanchett as Elizabeth: Now this is a powerful female performance (I’m waving my finger back and forth at Jodie Foster right now). Blanchett still somehow maintains her beauty in those elaborately odd outfits. The only misstep was a “Braveheart” moment where she attempts to inspire the troops before battle. It just doesn’t work to see her in front of commoners with a speech that seems to be done to death. Grade: 9

Clive Owen as Sir Walter Raleigh: The man oozes charm. And since I used the word ooze, you can tell it might be a little too much. Sir Walter’s odd place between Elizabeth and her favorite lady-in-waiting Bess (Abbie Cornish) adds a nice love triangle under circumstances we aren’t used to seeing. Grade: 8

Geoffrey Rush as Sir Francis Wilsingham: Once again, Wilsingham protects the Queen and has a couple of good sneaky moves, but unfortunately he’s a step slower as he has aged. It may be historically accurate, but that doesn’t mean it’s more entertaining. Grade: 8

Talking: Blanchett has more power in her facial reactions than the lines she says, and we even get a little battle planning with the preparation for war with the Spanish. Grade: 7

Sights and sounds: The set designs are amazing, the score keeps a quicker pace and it does give a little action. And with that action comes something new … fireboats. Grade: 9

OVERALL When I saw there was a sequel to 1998’s “Elizabeth,” I thought at least they’d get another Oscar for costumes, but there is much more going on here. Betrayal, war, love triangles and most importantly, Cate Blanchett proves to be able to capture strength, anger and sadness better than any other actress this year. If they want to make a third, this could (surprisingly) stand next to all the great trilogies.

Overall Grade: 8