Most of us have a fear of public speaking. It's terrifying to imagine having to give a presentation at work or school. Now imagine having to talk to millions of people about serious things with a serious speech impediment. Imagine being thrust into the role of king of your country just as Adolf Hitler is about to force the world into war. That's the crux of "The King's Speech," and probably nothing I can say will do this wonderful movie justice. Just go see it.

Colin Firth plays King George VI of England, the father of England's current Queen Elizabeth. He wasn't supposed to be king. His older brother abdicated to marry the infamous twice-divorced American Wallis Simpson. So this man who suffered his entire life with a debilitating speech impediment and with basic neglect - Amazing, isn't it, that a king's son could still be neglected, physically and emotionally? – now has to comfort his countrymen in one of the scariest times in history. He's tried every brilliant speech therapist known to man, to no avail. But his wife (the future Queen Mum, played by Helena Bonham Carter) finds Australian Lionel Logue (Geoffrey Rush). Logue's personal eccentricities and quirky method initially cause a great deal of

friction, but the king and teacher eventually form a partnership that lasts decades.

The cast is brilliant from start to finish. (And if you're a "Harry Potter" fan, you'll enjoy seeing lots of familiar faces.) The film looks gorgeous and sounds wonderful. And I think you might be surprised at how much you'll relate to this man who became a king. Colin Firth created a character to love and admire and pity and cheer for. He's brittle at times, standoffish, nervous, even temperamental, but, once Firth reveals the pain and fear and sadness underneath, you can't help but love this character.

I was a little worried this movie might be some dry history of an over-privileged guy who didn't want to talk in public. Boy, am I glad I was wrong! "The King's Speech" is my pick for best picture of the year, and I hope, hope, hope you'll see it!