I've been hearing a lot about The King's Speech the past couple of months and after finally having the opportunity to see it, I can honestly say that the high praise is completely warranted. Had I seen it last month, it most certainly would have made my top 5. Colin Firth is positively outstanding as King George VI (Bertie). After his father dies and his brother (played by Guy Pierce) distances himself from the throne, Bertie must assume command but a stammer and insecurity might keep him from a position he's already reluctant to accept.

Things look up however, when the royal develops a special bond with speech therapist Lionel Logue (brilliantly played by Geoffrey Rush). Their relationship is give and take at first, but ultimately, a most unexpected friendship blossoms. Helena Bonham Carter is wonderful as Bertie's supportive wife while Pierce and Michael Gambon round out a stellar supporting cast. It is Rush and Firth however who leave the biggest impression. Not only do they hit all the right notes individually, but as a team, they create movie magic. The speech therapy sessions (particularly the one that earns The King's Speech its unfortunate R rating) are hilarious, but it is their very real bond that takes the movie to the highest of levels. Credit not only director Tom Hooper for his deft touch but screenwriter David Seidler for his beautifully nuanced (and literary) screenplay. And technically, The King's Speech is stunning. I'm not sure how many of these sets were re-constructed and what was digitally created, but the look of the picture is breathtaking.

The King's Speech would sit nicely alongside Stephen Frears' The Queen, but it should be noted that this gorgeous, exquisitely crafted effort is much lighter on its feet. It isn't so much a political drama as it is a story about compassion and friendship and by the time it was over, I felt all warm inside. The Social Network may have found itself some competition come Oscar night.