The Eagle

I haven’t been nice with these films lately, I’m really sorry about it, but I can’t help it... I didn’t have fun. Not even a little. 45 % (23/04/2011)

At times I was wondering if Channing Tatum was going to put on a baseball cap and start breakdancing. In the end, though, he held the role quite well. What bothered me, though, is how insanely low-budget the film felt. But the original story helped me not think about it after the first half hour. These 4 stars aren't clean at all, but it had its charm and I'm rooting for that. (25/04/2011)

In comparison to Centurion, Kevin McDonald's direction is noticeably more sober, without the presence of wild women with a layer of make-up and without hectoliters of spraying digital blood and flying severed limbs and heads. I prefer his more realistic approach, and after 2/3 of the movie, I considered giving it four stars, because as a historical adventure film, The Eagle worked well up until then without any serious slips. However, in the last third, a large group of Roman veterans came along, who after 23 years remembered their military oath, and were apparently mobilized by the slave Esca through the internet, as they emerged from all corners of the Pictish Empire in the appropriate gorge in record time. Here, not only the internet could have played a role, but probably also helicopters. In addition, other screenplay motifs also faltered, such as when the Celts, who had endured a long and exhausting pursuit, demonstratively executed a "traitor" child whom they had apparently carried the entire time in a basket on their back. That final battle between young warriors and grandfathers in rusty Roman armor would also have turned out completely differently in reality, as the life expectancy back then was roughly half of what it is in our era... Despite all this, I appreciate The Eagle's more psychological style with its attempt at developed characters in contrast to the superficially efficient Centurion. Additionally, both main protagonists are appropriately likable, so the viewer can identify with them. Overall impression: 60%. (06/06/2011)

An excellently filmed “sequel" to last year’s Centurion. It looks great and the music is fantastic. In story terms it’s a little weird (high caliber patriotism), but it’s still bearable. Both Tatum and Bell put on fairly good performances and everybody at home is always pleased to see Mark Strong on the screen. And the unrated version has more blood splatters and that’s always welcome, even though it could have been a little meatier still. (25/06/2011)

Centurion’s sibling, with a similarly low-budget, but noticeably better executed. Or rather, more atmospheric as the saying “better no blood than digital blood” was taken to heart by the people behind it. The end result is not excellent, but it doesn't disappoint. The cinematography and overall medieval feeling are much more well-crafted, and more believable thanks to the excellent music. The action is similarly confusing as in Centurion, but as already mentioned, it doesn't strive to be shocking at all costs. And even though the PG13 rating is incomprehensible and even stupid to me, it was solved relatively gracefully. The plot loses a bit of momentum in the second half when the main characters enter an enemy village, there’s more talking and less action, but fortunately, it can be endured. The cast is excellent, with a distinctly masculine character. Tatum is a solid “replacement” for Fassbender, which was unexpected. (23/07/2011)

It's a pity that this film tries to be so mainstream. I was expecting something a bit grittier, maybe in the style of films like "Immortals" or other dark fantasy/historical films, but this is really just a spectacle for those who enjoy battles but can't stand the sight of blood. "The Eagle" tells a story of friendship, determination, and trust. In fact, it's nothing more than a buddy movie that tries to present itself as a heavily historical film, trying to adhere to the era, whether it's the costumes or the setting. Rome is somewhat believable, although I never imagined Channing Tatum as a Roman officer. Maybe if he swapped roles with Jamie Bell, it would work a bit better because even Bell is not exactly the prototype of a slave who I would believe can fight so well. There is poor casting in the lead roles, but considering that the actors are already quite familiar, it doesn't matter that much. Especially for Channing, it adds another role where his fans will love him and wish for him to recover after that terrible injury. The film is incredibly sterile, which I don't expect in a film with Rome and battles with barbarians. Perhaps it's due to "Rome" and other historical or fantasy series and films that don't shy away from blood and naturalism. It would have spiced up the scenes that are supposed to be gritty. Otherwise, "The Eagle" is just a chase for a piece of gold. And the ending with a smile, like almost every buddy movie? They really could have done without that. More: http://www.filmovy-denik.cz/2012/07/mistrovsky-plan-nerdi-bel-ami-susi.html (24/02/2013)