Hyde Park on the Hudson - C+

Rated R, 95 minutes

Murray's great as FDR, but "Hyde Park" just skims the surface

Bill Murray and Laura Linney

The charming new drama "Hyde Park on the Hudson" is based on the diaries of Margaret Stuckley, a sixth cousin, confidante and eventual mistress of U.S. President Franklin Delano Roosevelt. "Hyde Park" is a well-acted yet slight film that doesn't do such an iconic historical figure real justice. Set in June 1939 just before the outbreak of World War II, FDR (Bill Murray) and First Lady Eleanor (Olivia Williams) are preparing to host the King and Queen of England (Samuel West and Olivia Coleman) for a first-ever visit to the U.S. at their upstate New York home to give their support for the impending war. As the occasion unravels, FDR become closer to Stuckley, also known as Daisy (Laura Linney), who begins to realize the nature of her relationship with him. Directed by Roger Michell ("Notting Hill"), "Hyde Park on the Hudson" is an effusive, well-acted but empty film that doesn't fully explore the relationships it outlines. The chief highlight of "Hyde Park" is the remarkable performance of FDR by Murray, who doesn't give an exact impersonation but perfectly captures FDR's spirit as an engaging old man who didn't let his infirmities truly disable him. Linney is also good as Stuckley, though her overbearing, unnecessary narration throughout the film is one of the film's biggest flaws, not to mention the fact it gives considerable screen time to the King and Queen (well-played by British actors West and Coleman in roles also played by Colin Firth and Helena Bonham-Carter in "The King's Speech"). The film is really about Stuckley and FDR, yet the film never fully explores their relationship, just where it stood in light of FDR's complex political and personal life. Murray, who's nominated for a Golden Globe for this role, is the best reason to see the likable but unsatisfying "Hyde Park on the Hudson." 

Wes's Grade: C+