Really Surprised!

I like movies that are aware of what they are selling... without [any] greater aspirations than to make people laugh and that's it.

if their story seems completely bonkers, almost like a feverish work of fiction, you ain't heard nothing yet.

The best films of this genre always show a path and provide a takeaway for being a better person.

I can't believe I keep accidentally watching movies and tv shows about the same subjects and people without intentionally planning on it! But I love it so much! I watched this one because of its ties to the area we visited so many times while my sister was in school at Marist, but it turns out it's like a prequel to The King's Speech and The Crown! I was actually less interested in the romantic story, more interested in the relationship between FDR and the King!

Even though this is a beautiful looking movie it is totally devoid of any truth.The royals only visited for a day. Why did they visit? With the world on the brink of war the point of their visit seems ignored.Daisy is 20 years older than depicted. Her relationship with Roosevelt was much more than a physical relationship. There was nothing dirty about it but a total trust in each other. Roosevelt, by this time, was very tired, physically and emotionally.Murry's depiction is one dimensional.This is only a simple story but so much more could have been put into this to tell the very interesting true story of this weekend. It seems the point of the movie is to deride the royals, the way of life of the President and those in his life.Add to this a slow, boring interpretation of this pure fiction I only give it a rating of one because of how beautiful it looks.

In 1939, Margaret "Daisy" Suckley, fifth cousin to the current U.S. President, Franklin D. Roosevelt, is summoned to visit FDR at his country estate in Hyde Park, NY. He initiates a sexual relationship with her--we're told he thrives on the adoring eyes of young women--which surprisingly does not complicate his state of affairs, the fact he's married, or that his mother is a constant factor in his life. Bill Murray plays Roosevelt with wry humor and an unpretentious lift of the chin; crippled at this point by polio, yet unselfconscious about using crutches or by being carried around by an assistant, this Commander in Chief is a steady, low-keyed man, so lacking in drama he's almost easy to miss in a crowd. Written by Richard Nelson and directed by Roger Michell, "Hyde Park on Hudson", which is ostensibly based upon Suckley's diaries (discovered posthumously), is austere and tasteful and pointless. The Roosevelts' lack of a grand showing when King George VI and Queen Elizabeth visit is faintly amusing (the Royals are initially perplexed or put-off by the mild reception, but come to love FDR for his unadorned hospitality). Lara Linney as Daisy has to grapple with her feelings for a man whose time (and intimacy) must be shared, and occasionally she's too much of a sad anchor on the narrative; still, Linney's underplaying is in tune with Michell's handling, and she manages to carve out a genuine character without a lot to work with. The film has lovely passages, but is so thin it has to use Daisy's sense of betrayal for narrative tension (which is useless since nothing much is done to satisfy her--or us). Samuel West is wonderful as the stammering King (who livens up an otherwise disastrous formal dinner) and Olivia Williams is a fine Eleanor. **1/2 from ****

Based on Franklin D. Roosevelt & Margaret "Daisy" Suckley's secret affair with a political touch, 'Hyde Park on Hudson' is interesting, but gets confused mid-way on what it wants to be. That being, a romantic-dramedy or a throwback on politics. Its the Writing that is a letdown, but the performances are of high regard here!'Hyde Park on Hudson' Synopsis: The story of the love affair between FDR and his distant cousin Margaret "Daisy" Suckley, centered around the weekend in 1939 when the King and Queen of the United Kingdom visited upstate New York.'Hyde Park on Hudson' begins well & watching the former President behind the curtains having an affair with a women caught under the depression, holds your attention. But, the narrative falls apart, when the sub-plot involving King George VI & his wife, takes charge. This addition to the story doesn't work & one loses interest. The love-story, as it is, had potential to continue & also end a bit more strongly. Sadly, that doesn't happen here!Richard Nelson's Screenplay provides some fine moments, but it isn't wholesome. As I wrote earlier, the sub-plot fails. The Writing needed to be more about the love-story. Roger Michell's Direction is classy. Lol Crawley's Cinematography is stunning & captures each moment, with flourish. Art & Costume Design are excellent. Editing is okay.Performance-Wise: Bill Murray as Franklin D. Roosevelt, is a joy to watch. He is exceptionally fine in his portrayal of the late president, giving us a man, who eventually, had his own faults & pluses. Laura Linney as Margaret "Daisy" Suckley, is wonderfully restrained. Linney & Murray share a quiet, effective chemistry on-screen, that speaks in volumes. Samuel West as King George VI, is earnest. Olivia Colman as Queen Elizabeth, leaves a mark. Olivia Williams as Eleanor Roosevelt, is first-rate.On the whole, 'Hyde Park on Hudson' never reaches its potential, but for fine acting alone, its worth a watch.