I'm not a big fan of what I call corset-and-crumpet movies. You know, those grandiose British period pieces, typically based on a Jane Austen novel or a history book and starring Keira Knightley (who really should eat something more substantial than crumpets).

But let's toss a mild huzzah (that's "booyah" in ye olde English) at The Young Victoria, a flick that might improve if Victoria (fetching Emily Blunt) showed off her "secrets" a little. But no sex, please, they're British.

As the title suggests, this movie is about Queen Victoria when she was young, about ages 17-20, and just getting the hang of the whole empire control thing. She's a bit saucier as played by Blunt than Dame Judi Dench in Mrs. Brown but I'd like to see a movie showing how an ingenue transformed into a crone.

Vicki, as she'll always be to me now, is a pawn in palace intrigue after the death of her king father (Jim Broadbent, wonderful as always). Plotters skulk, suitors have stings attached, and Vicki holds steady. Well, except for crushing on her cousin Prince Albert (Rupert Friend, avoiding the can) who becomes her husband, ruling partner and co-parent of royalty in most European nations. That's strong genetics,  if somewhat incestuous.

Blunt is solid in the title role, becoming more impressive as Vicki's backbone stiffens. You'll hear her name bandied about during awards season, for sure. What I like about The Young Victoria, though, is how it humanizes its central characters thanks to a succinct screenplay by Oscar winner Julien Fellowes (Gosford Park). Hey, they're just like you and me, except royal and flirting within the family. The sets, costumes and music (including an emo end credits song by Sinead O'Connor... where has she been?) are contenders, too.

The Young Victoria doesn't open locally until Dec. 25, and only at Tampa Theatre as far as we know right now. But I watched the screener DVD early -- I love checking the mail each day this time of year -- to prep for a possible telephone interview Friday with one of the film's producers, someone named Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York. She'll have some interesting insights into the story, and I haven't had a brush with a duchess since last visiting a drag nightclub in Ybor City.

Meanwhile, enjoy the preview trailer and keep a stiff upper lip.