Speech! Speech!

The Social Network has been collecting nearly every award there is to hand out at this time of year. But when it comes to acting, the "man of the hour" appeared not in that film, but another. Colin Firth's role as stammering King George VI in The King's Speech has been getting rave reviews. And as a fan of his work in many other films, I knew I'd want to see this one.

The script for the movie does a wonderful job of reconciling many opposing elements. The film manages to be deeply personal and intimate, focusing on the man's speech impediment, and his anguished wife's inability to do anything to help him. But at the same time, the film also has a broader scope thanks to the events swirling in England in the 1930s. The death of George V, scandal surrounding Edward VIII (and the risk it posed to the crown), and Hitler's ever-increasing threat all provide a grand stakes to supplement the drama.

But indeed, it is the performances that stand out more than anything else in this film. Colin Firth is, as promised, extraordinary. His work goes far deeper than believably conveying the stammer; all of the frustrations and concerns that go with it are the real meat, and portrayed beautifully. He's the odds-on favorite to win the Best Actor Oscar next month, and a worthy choice for the honor.

He's not the only one giving a great performance. Geoffrey Rush is a wonderful foil as George's speech therapist, infusing his role with witty humor, honest sympathy, and issues of his own. The film is more about the friendship between his character and the king, rather than just the king himself; together, the two actors make it work. Helena Bonham Carter is strong as Queen Elizabeth, doing some particularly impressive work in moments where she has no dialogue at all. Her looks and gestures say a lot.

While those three actors dominate, there are plenty of other recognizable faces doing a fine job in fleshing out the surrounding roles. Guy Pearce, Michael Gambon, Timothy Spall, and Derek Jacobi have only a few scenes each, but add to the fine tapestry of acting in the film.

Ultimately, however, the film can only take the audience so far. Based on history, and being an "inspirational story," there's little question of the course of the film. A savvy audience knows the specific beats that will play during every act of the journey, and knows exactly where it will end up as the end credits roll. Familiarity does not breed contempt in this case, but neither does it inspire unbridled enthusiasm.

Still, I absolutely do praise the acting, and recommend the film overall -- particularly to those who really enjoy a character-driven display of quality acting. I rate it a B, and would actually slide the film into the #9 slot on my 10 Favorites of 2010.