Hyde Park on HudsonMovie Reviews

  • So-so Based on 2,998 reviews
    Breakdown:
  • Go
    Written January 2, 2013

    Slow-Paced but Memorable & Worth a Look

    I enjoyed this film for what it was. We get a sneak peek at a great President and his surroundings during one of the most tumultuous moments in American History. Just as most encounters with the President are short and memorable, this film is also.

    In just over an hour and a half, a handful of actors successfully capture the complicated spirit of FDR, Daisy Suckley, Eleanor Roosevelt, King George VI, and Queen Elizabeth (the Queen Mother). The set design and cinematography are spellbinding and, while I originally thought the writing needed improvement because of the slow pacing, upon reflection it seems accurate for the less hurried 1930's.

    I doubt that Bill Murray wins Best Actor for what the Golden Globes consider a Comedy (Bradley Cooper and Hugh Jackman seem more likely to win the category) but, nonetheless, this film was worth the time and price of admission.

    • 12 out of 15 found this review helpful.
    • Was this helpful to you? 
    • Yes
    • No
  • Go
    Written December 11, 2012

    A Welll Acted and Directed Slice of History

    by jzactor

    The story being told in Hyde Park on the Hudson is very simple. President Franklin D Roosevelt invited the King and Queen of England to the president's personal resort to rest and relax and meet regarding the looming war in Europe. The story does deal with the matter at hand and with much more, which makes this film unique and very worthwhile.
    The acting is very good, the direction is pitch perfect and the story is simple. It all about the gathering which involves the personal struggles of each person, including President Roosevelt and his wife, the King and Queen of England and President Roosevelt's paramour, played very well by Laura Linney. The story is fascinating as the world prepares to see the King and Queen actually eat hot dogs while the president juggles his relationship with his wife and his mistress. The direction never gets too ponderous. The deepest moments of drama are juxtaposed with the lighter moments as all munch on hot dogs while the world reacts.

    • 15 out of 21 found this review helpful.
    • Was this helpful to you? 
    • Yes
    • No
  • No
    Written December 16, 2012

    Hugely Disappointing

    Thumbs up on the locations, sets and costumes, but thumbs down on everything else. The lead characters -- FDR, Eleanor, the King & Queen, and, yes, Daisy -- are presented as such dim wits. Come on folks, they were the leaders of their countries!

    • 10 out of 14 found this review helpful.
    • Was this helpful to you? 
    • Yes
    • No
  • No
    Written January 13, 2013

    Poor attempt

    The setting was great. The atmosphere of the 30's was well created BUT the characters were disappointing. My father was an English gentleman and I spent my first 2 decades in British Isles so I know that king George 6th was a slight, very thin man with hollow checks and not at all like the actor portraying him. Also Queen Elizabeth, while she may have been sharp and critical in private, always presented a soft cuddly demeanor and was nothing at all like the ugly, unpleasant character depicted in the film. Further, Bill Murray's portrayal of FDR was a very sad attempt compared to Ralph Bellamy's great one in Winds of War. I would not see this movie again, nor would I recommend it to anyone.

    • 7 out of 8 found this review helpful.
    • Was this helpful to you? 
    • Yes
    • No
  • Go
    Written December 25, 2012

    hyde park on hudson

    I found this film enjoyable for the most part, and the acting exceptional, especially by Bill Murray and Laura Linney.
    I was disappointed that at Hyde Park, one of the most beautiful spots in the state of new york, there was not a single scene of the mighty Hudson River and the lush green hills on both sides of the river, and too much emphasis on the vast fields on the property. perhaps it was not even filmed at Hyde Park.
    also disappointing to me was the emphasis on only 2 aspects of FDR's nearly 3 terms in office: the sexual needs and narcissistic aspect of FDR's personality, and the king and queens' visit. Surely, there were many more interesting anecdotes that could have been highlighted. The movie was only 1 hr, 34 min., and another 20 minutes could have shown other sides of FDR and his presidency.
    i would not recommend this movie for children under 15..

    • 8 out of 10 found this review helpful.
    • Was this helpful to you? 
    • Yes
    • No
  • No
    Written January 6, 2013

    In a word... gross!

    Wish I never even heard of this movie. I went to see Bill Murray. I can't even say what I thought of the acting because the script and the whole story was so offensive. Several people left the theatre during the movie. I haven't seen that happen in a long time.

    • 7 out of 9 found this review helpful.
    • Was this helpful to you? 
    • Yes
    • No
  • So-so
    Written January 5, 2013

    Hyde Park on the Hudson

    I was disappointed. The characters for the most part were almost caricatures of the people they were portraying, and if the viewer knows ANYTHING about the Roosevelts and King George and Queen Elizabeth, it would be hard to believe this story the way it is presented. I cannot recommend tis film.

    • 7 out of 9 found this review helpful.
    • Was this helpful to you? 
    • Yes
    • No
  • No
    Written December 21, 2012

    Dull

    First, the movie is rather dull. Second, it involves a rather excruciating humiliation by an important president to women who had little or no power in their dull lives. I could have lived without seeing that. Bill Murray is a good actor but I just don't like this character. I'd say this one should go on the large heap of films better forgotten.

    One bright note: FDR's car had a really cool cigarette dispenser/lighter.

    • 9 out of 13 found this review helpful.
    • Was this helpful to you? 
    • Yes
    • No
  • No
    Written December 16, 2012

    Boring and Creepy

    by johnuws

    Most of the time it's the voiceover that drones on and on about the most obvious things that you're already watching. The worst bit was watching FDR getting a hand job from his cousin. Totally gross and awkward.

    Poorly written and directed.

    • 9 out of 13 found this review helpful.
    • Was this helpful to you? 
    • Yes
    • No
  • Must Go!
    Written January 7, 2013

    Justme

    by dumble

    Engaging film. Enjoyed the entire film. Bill Murray is excellent in the role of FDR. This seems to be the year of the President...elections in November followed by two short looks into the lives of FDR and Lincoln.
    This President was not perfect and this shows an imperfect side to FDR. It also shows compassion to the King of England, as a young inexperienced ruler, who comes to the Power asking for support. This is a very touching moment in the film.
    A go see or rent for home. This film should win awards.

    • 5 out of 5 found this review helpful.
    • Was this helpful to you? 
    • Yes
    • No
  • No
    Written January 13, 2013

    BORING !!

    Although I am younger (by at least 30 years) than the majority of people who were in the theater , and probably have some personal memory of FDR, I was interested in seeing this movie having seen Lincoln and was so amazed by how much history I didn't know. The movie was slow and dragged from the onset. I felt the there was no discernible plot; was it the visit from the Royals, infidelity, FDR's physical disability and its effect on his presidency?
    I was impressed by Bill Murray's ability to play a character other than comedic, however this movie is not one I'd recommend to others.

    • 4 out of 4 found this review helpful.
    • Was this helpful to you? 
    • Yes
    • No
  • So-so
    Written January 9, 2013

    Hyde Park Hid Picture Sharpness

    For the serious student of American history, Hyde Park would be of interest.

    For most movie goers, the image sharpness has much to be desired. Watching this flick is not any clearer than watching a home movie that was filmed with fog on the camera lense, even on the outdoor scens.

    The clarity of the inside scenes are mediocre at best .

    The acting was not much better than the picture quality. Nothing special.
    Not recommended for anyone suffering from depression; they would be in a deeper depression. I feel no joy in this movie.
    This would be not suitable for younger children as it for them would be too boring; kids would become fidgety and begin screaming in the theatre seats.
    Leave the kids home and stay home with them.

    • 5 out of 6 found this review helpful.
    • Was this helpful to you? 
    • Yes
    • No
  • Go
    Written December 31, 2012

    Bill Murry is flawless as FDR

    by bartab

    This movie examines the complex relationship between FDR (Bill Murry) and Daisy (Laura Linney). Both are excellent in their roles. This is not a fast paced movie. It is about a relationship that was accepted by the President?s wife and his mother .She (Eleanor) did live in a cottage a few miles away. It was a time when the Queen and King of England came to Hyde Park to enlist the Presidents support in the oncoming war.
    It was also a time when FDR could drive to the local town without Police escort. As we learned from the movie it was not his only affair.
    Some might find this dull. History buffs might enjoy it.
    Enjoy!

    • 4 out of 4 found this review helpful.
    • Was this helpful to you? 
    • Yes
    • No
  • Must Go!
    Written December 10, 2012

    Hyde Park on Hudson

    Bridge players know a peek is as good as a finesse and this small glimpse into the life of FDR provides the viewer with more information about American history, even that of England, than many a history book and by far exceeds films trying to encompass a life time. The film acts like a core sample of the Earth's surface, digging deeply beneath the soil of these famous people and breaks through at their very source. Without excessive drama, the film quietly invites the viewer to catch a brief glance of what's real behind the facades of the great, famous man so pivotal in the world when humanity showed up at its worst and a few showed up to lead them to their finest hour.

    As for Bill Murray, was he born to play the part? Even knowing the man personally did not prevent experiencing him as FDR on the screen. He so erased his outer personality as all good actors do and Laura Linney did as well, there was nothing left of this very funny man to mar the perfection of his creation.

    • 5 out of 6 found this review helpful.
    • Was this helpful to you? 
    • Yes
    • No
  • So-so
    Written January 13, 2013

    A little slow

    The movie was not what I expected. I guess from the previews I thought the movie was going to be more about The President and the King,
    I guess my interpatation was incorrect.
    It seemed to be a slow pasted movie. I think the movie was worth seeing, Bill Murray did a wonderful job.

    • 4 out of 4 found this review helpful.
    • Was this helpful to you? 
    • Yes
    • No

Hyde Park on Hudson Movie Reviews + Ratings

Fans say

So-so
2,998 fan reviews

Critics say

So-so See all critic reviews

Tweets About Hyde Park on Hudson

55% positive
Join the conversation

robluhrs Just saw 'Hyde Park on Hudson'. Pleasantly surprised. A very enjoyable movie.

12 hours ago.

CarrieCihasky Hyde Park on Hudson: horrible movie but Bill Murray as FDR was wonderful!

15 hours ago.

RockLiao Watched Hyde Park on Hudson. Now I want a Hot Dog again.

15 hours ago.

davidOPPA Watched Hyde Park on Hudson. Now I want a Hot Dog again.

15 hours ago.

tamaraeggert Just finished "Hyde Park on Hudson"- the only line I wanted to hear her say was "I'm Laura Linney and this is Masterpiece Classic." #downton

1 days ago.

Hyde Park on Hudson Featured Trailers + Video Clips

Exclusive Features

Cast Interviews Exclusive Cast Interview Bill Murray talks about playing FDR, Laura Linney on her fascination with the iconic president and Murray's thoughts on SNL and Ghostbusters.