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For Eurovision fans, ‘Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga’ is the closest thing we’re getting to the competition this year.
Following the tale of Lars Erickssong, played by Will Ferrell, and Sigrit Ericksdottir, played by Rachel McAdams, as they work to become contestants on Eurovision as a due named Fire Saga, with disastrous consequences, we’re taken on a two hour long journey that shouldn’t have lasted beyond ninety minutes.
When the actual plot is progressing, its a funny and fast paced movie, with understated comedy making it all the more hilarious, and songs that either were, or easily could be, heard on Eurovision.
Unfortunately, the majority of the film feels like filler, something to fluff out the plot between songs, on stage disaster for our main characters, and important dialogue.
Ferrell’s character, Lars, is another man child that may as well be Buddy the Elf, while McAdams character, Sigrit, feels much more like a real person, and all too often seems like she should find Lars frustrating, rather than endearing.
The cast is rather hit or miss, with Pierce Brosnan as Lars’ mean father, Graham Norton providing laughs with his usual fantastically witty, snarky commentary, and an array of past Eurovision winners, including Conchita Wurst, Netta Barzilai, and a band pretending to be Lordi, being the highlights.
Demi Lovato’s ghost, and the Icelandic Elves that magically assist Fire Saga becoming Eurovision contestants, by blowing up the party boat all the other Icelandic entrants were on, were certainly the low point.
It should be pointed out, the boat explosion scene was entertaining and unexpected all the same. Did it have to be orchestrated by Elves though? It couldn’t have just been an accident?
When all is said and done though, its a film that leaves you with that warm fuzzy feeling, following its happy ending. Its not a good film, but its not a bad one either.
It has some moments of brilliant comedic value, truly fantastic, clearly Eurovision inspired songs, and ‘Icelandic’ accents that wouldn’t sound out of place in a Welsh mountain town.
If you’re looking for an easy watch, that’ll make you laugh every twenty or so minutes, and fill the hole that this years cancellation of Eurovision left, this is the one for you.