Directed by:
David DobkinCinematography:
Danny CohenComposer:
Atli ÖrvarssonCast:
Will Ferrell, Rachel McAdams, Mikael Persbrandt, Pierce Brosnan, Dan Stevens, Ólafur Darri Ólafsson, Melissanthi Mahut, Joi Johannsson (more)VOD (1)
Plots(1)
Two small-town singers chase their pop star dreams at a global music competition, where high stakes, scheming rivals and onstage mishaps test their bond. (Netflix)
Videos (1)
Reviews (9)
In its adoration of otherness, Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga is incredibly charming and at times almost subversive; in its soundtrack it is one hundred percent; and yet there is always one misstep for every amazing gag or song. A sculpted Pierce Brosnan recites profound obstructionist wisdom, serious moments last disproportionately long, and the main hero sadly tends to emerge from controversial situations like a blinded selfish person. A few weeks after watching, however, the perfectly cast supporting roles (Dan Stevens, coming across more like Dan Nekonečný) and precisely crafted songs slowly erase most of the cracks and subtly raise the rating. However, I am reserving judgment for the inevitable next viewing.
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With practically no negative characters, this sweet feel-good comedy has a heart advocating for the positive values and diversity of Europe, and it’s peppered with apt jokes on social issues (the relationship of Icelanders to Americans; there are no gays in Russia, etc.). I found it genuinely moving and delightful. I’m giving it a fourth star probably because I have a great fondness for Iceland (I only saw Húsavík in the fog and rain despite a two-day wait for better weather) and because I’m one of the few people I know who doesn’t mind Will Ferrell, who co-wrote and co-produced this one, thus confirming his well-deserved position at the top of the genre.
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An enjoyable feel good affair with an adorable Rachel McAdams and a rather tame Will Ferrell. Although the film is not that funny, it is very entertaining, has heart and a strong emotional charge and that is enough for me this time. I liked the Eurovision idea, the songs are very good, the characters are great and the finale, where Rachel sings like a goddess and brings down the house with her voice, made me cry like a baby. The last time I felt that way was with Lady Gaga in A Star is Born. I also liked the setting in Iceland. I had a really good time.Story****, Action>No, Humor***, Violence>No, Entertainment****, Music*****, Visuals****, Atmosphere****, Suspense>No. 8/10.
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I had no idea about this movie, but thanks to Pam Rabbit’s interview, this registered and I definitely didn't expect it to be such a great piece. Will Ferrell is a favourite of mine, the perfect Rachel McAdams isn't lost here either and if someone had told me that a bland family comedy like this would be so great, I wouldn't have believed it. The theme alone, with Iceland sending its most miserable duo to Eurovision after all the other "better" contestants die in a boat explosion, is excellent. Ferrel and McAdams are the perfect duo, their chemistry is enjoyable and watching two Icelandic rednecks is just phenomenal. We get countless scenes with TERRIBLE humour, pretty much the way Ferrel likes it (the elves are a total top!!) and the film simply entertains. The perfect cherry on the cake is the finale, which manages to caress the soul and made me inwardly cheer as well, and that's a definite achievement for such a flick. Personally, I'm a bit disappointed that the middle third takes the foot off the gas a bit on the entertainment and goes down a rather dramatic route, but this is rectified at the end and until the performance in the finale, it is once again perfect. Objectively a 3*, but I have to add a star here as Ferrel is a god and the fact he pushed his script with totally wacky humour, pulled Rachel into it and made such an enjoyable family trendy comedy just deserves a round of applause.
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My rating of this comedy is strictly subjective. I already have a few reasons why I should rate it with five stars and the fact that I know Eurovision and watch it every year isn’t the most important one. I take Eurovision lightly because there is no other way. The quality of music is often quite questionable but on the other hand it is fun and I like to make one of the competing countries my new favorite. For a long time it has been Iceland, so it seems it would be my love of a lifetime. And when the creators choose Iceland to compete in Eurovision and add to it a number of local actors and beautiful shots of Húsavík, you enjoy it as much as you can all the while hoping that this movie would never end. Will Ferrell and Rachel McAdams were the best choice ever. Both of them really enjoyed Fire Saga. Moreover, a short scene of Czech Republic vs. Iceland appears in it and it warmed my heart as well. And what’s more, it is necessary to mention that it is really entertaining. Musical performances are generally at the top level (mainly Belarus!), even at higher level than many a year of the real Eurovision. And when Fire Saga comes onto the stage there is no other option left but to enjoy it. Long story short, the great premise has fallen into the right hands and the result is a comedy that is my top one in last 10 years.
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