Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga

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)

I love watching Eurovision, so I was quite looking forward to this comedy. After watching it, however, I am a little disappointed. Some of the situations made me laugh, but the wacky humor, sometimes bordering on awkwardness, is too much for my taste. I wish there had been more musical performances, as a few of them were really good. (60%) (14/06/2021)

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)

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. (08/06/2021)