Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Sage - Review by @Kush_Hayes
I would be lying if I didnt say that these reviews are part journal essay and time capsule of where I am in my life at the time of its writing. Without getting political, things are just stressful regardless of how comfortable or upset you may be about the year 2020. Having said that it is nice to just be able to have something new that makes you laugh.
Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga is a Will Ferrell “Competition Film” meaning that his character has a side kick or a partner, in this case Rachel McAdams, who is bringing her A game in this film. They are intense about the subject they are involved in compared to Talledega Nights, Blades of Glory, Semi-Pro- this time its Music and a dream. That dream is to compete and ultimately win the Eurovision Song Contest. Regardless of the level of skill they possess, they are misfits in the industry and their hometown. And after going on a journey of self discovery, they reach the pinnacle of their dream only for there to be a twist that makes most of the motivation for this movie inconsequential.
Its a formula for a reason though and it continues to be successful.
Will Ferrell is as funny as he always is. He makes funny faces. Funny noises. He continues to lean into the physical humor, but is not relying on desperate gimmicks like head and testicle trauma. Hes bringing large and over the top props into the game and making it work, selling it Top Shelf.
The Chemistry between him and Rachel McAdams is fantastic and you like seeing them go through their tiny rituals. You like seeing them go after their dream and even making (unnecessary) sacrifices to reach that dream. They play off each other really well, and when we get to have their will they or wont they moments youre invested in it. Im not familiar with David Dobkin by name but I have seen some of his funniest films, including Wedding Crashers and Shanghai Knights. Both buddy comedies, both funny. Dobkin’s other specialty is music videos including Tupac and Elton John so when we get to the musical portions of this film and there is no shortage of musical numbers in this film, they are fun to watch, stylish and entertaining.
My biggest complaint about this movie is that its about 20 or 25 minutes too long in this films runtime that exceeds two hours. We have a conflict with a member of the board of the Icelandic division of the ESC and its just unnecessary. Without it you still have Will Ferrells character have his moment of defeat as well as being jealous of a competing performer - who quite frankly doesnt come off as an antagonist. I think if this movie came in just under 100 minutes Id give it a much higher score.
This is a funny film, with great music and entertaining scenes and I wish I could have seen it in a proper movie theater with a better sound system than I can afford.
Three out of Five Blueberries
Rated PG-13 for crude sexual material including full nude sculptures, some comic violent images, and language
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