Ellington

CASEY PHILLIPS: To most people, the thought of spending two hours slogging through a biopic about an English monarch that doesn't involve a war probably sounds pretty unappealing. What director Jean-Marc Vallee's "The Young Victoria" has going for it is a strong lead performance by Emily Blunt that makes Queen Victoria's struggle for independence in affairs of love and state a captivating ride.

Despite strong supporting performances by some of my favorite Brits, including Paul Bettany and Mark Strong, Blunt's Victoria stands out. The opening narration begins: "even a palace can be a prison," and it's fascinating watching Blunt's Victoria develop from a pawn, if a willful one, in the game of European politics into a savvy player in her own right.

HOLLY LEBER: Blunt was accused of stealing the show in "The Devil Wears Prada," but here, she's firmly set in the lead position. She's a versatile young actress and the buzz surrounding her regal performance is well-deserved.

Her portrayal of a 19th century British monarch, remains accessible to 21st century American audiences. Beneath the corsets, the royal politics, the courtly manners, Blunt's Victoria is, at her core, a girl looking to find her place and her way in the world. "The Young Victoria" is a historical biopic, yes, but it's also a coming-of-age film.

CASEY: Although the film focuses on the regal Victoria, there's equal emphasis placed on her courtship with her husband (and first cousin), Prince Albert of Germany, played by Rupert Friend. Both begin mostly powerless and unsure of themselves but eventually grow into assured self-confidence. Friend's Albert seemed almost indifferent at times, but I came to appreciate his genuine, if slow burning, chemistry with Blunt.

HOLLY: Casting Albert requires balance: Too strong an actor might have overpowered Blunt, but a spineless performance would make Victoria come off as a steamroller. Still, something about Friend consistently screams "dilettante" to me, and this was no different.

CASEY: "Young Victoria" could easily have bogged down in the complex political relationships of its historical figures, but it does a commendable job of humanizing the throne, thanks in no small part to Blunt's memorable performance.

HOLLY: Blunt has already received a Golden Globe nomination for her work here, and her name is swirling in a small pool of Oscar contenders. I'm not sure she's earned a spot in the top five and if she is nominated, the competition will be tough (Gabourey Sidibe gave what might be the debut performance of the decade in "Precious"). It's unlikely this will be Blunt's year to be queen of the Oscars, but her performance here is, indeed, royal.