It is based on Philippa Gregory's novel about the relationship between Henry VIII (played by Eric Bana) and Anne and Mary Boleyn (portrayed by, respectively, Natalie Portman and Scarlett Johansson.)

Trailers for the film looked enticing with the two stunning female leads enough to pull in a few extra male viewers who would normally turn their nose up at a costume drama.

However, the ridiculous title was enough to make you snigger and possibly avoid it –– which is probably worth doing.

There is plenty of melodrama to enjoy with the two sisters squabbling and squaring off for Henry's affections against a pivotal historical backdrop.

The plot has everything you would expect –– sibling rivalry, sex, tragedy and religion –– and it all looks fantastic with wonderful set design and beautifully crafted visual scenes.

But Peter Morgan's script is extremely dull and the dialogue flat, while the characters seem under-developed despite so much potential to explore them.

To make the competition between the two sisters easier Mary Boleyn is made out to be the sweet innocent blonde while Anne is scheming and vengeful.

The pair's acting is credible but they are given little room to excel –– not for lack of talent but little more than basic characterisation to play with.

Bana's Henry however is a major disappointment, he does his best to bring him to life, but he does not manage to make the most out of a huge figure –– once again probably down to the script.

The film's pacing is also a major problem with trivial moments drawn out, some scenes overlong and, more worryingly, it rushes through vital historical moments in the blink of an eye.

For those who like undemanding melodramas, there may be plenty to enjoy in The Other Boleyn Girl with lots of fiery confrontation.

It is also interesting to see how the behaviour between the three lead characters and their actions have an unbelievably bigger impact on society.

The Other Boleyn Girl is nicely packaged up, but the beautiful faces and visually impressive aspects of the film do little to disguise the lack of drama or excitement.

2/5