Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga

Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga is a feature film about the most famous music competition in the world, and it's basically a very dumb comedy with the typically over-the-top Will Ferrell and the endearingly goofy Rachel McAdams, but it does have some noteworthy scenes and moments that are both casually entertaining and pleasantly surprising. The basic structure of the story couldn’t be any more cliched, but it's spiced up by the Eurovision setting and the beautiful landscape of Iceland. The running time could have been a little shorter and some scenes could have been cut, but I was really glad for the cameos from previous Eurovision winners, the line with the elves and Demi Lovato. Besides that, the film takes a humorous shot at European countries, like the "zero" incidence of the 4%-people in Russia, the hatred of Europeans towards Americans, and the mention of the Eastern Bloc. The musical numbers were good and the audience could actually enjoy Eurovision at least in a sense, since it was cancelled this year. (03/07/2020)

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. (03/07/2020)

Maybe the reason Eurovision won me over was that we haven’t had a cute, self-aware comedy like this for a long time, or because during the boring moments I would dream about putting an engagement ring on the still beautiful and perfect Rachel McAdams and taking her to the altar. Even though there isn’t as much humour as I would expect from Ferrel, its sincere childish tone is very fitting and Dobkin knows his job so well that a cookie-cutter, generic story like this can still be effective. And the tunes are catchy enough… 70% (30/06/2020)

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. (16/07/2020)

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. (03/07/2020)