by Mara Hollenstein-Tirk
Even if fans of the American comedian Will Ferrell are reluctant to admit it, his projects often resemble a coin toss. Each “Anchorman” is followed by a “Sherlock and Watson”, and each “stepbrother” is followed by “The Ice Prince”. It is not uncommon for Ferrell to use the same subjects in his works, relying on the same sense of humor, which is why it is all the more easy for him to fail; after all, there is enough material ready for an extensive comparison.
The latest Netflix production “Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga”, which, besides the full title of “Birds of Prey” is probably a hot candidate for the most bulky film title in 2020, contains a lot of well-known and tried and tested Ferrellian formula, even as far as the premise is concerned. Even if the wish of a fictional duo from Iceland to win the Eurovision Song Contest sounds refreshingly new, unused and promising at first, one notices in the first half in particular that once again it is really just a childish man who just isn’t wants to grow up and wants nothing more than the recognition of his father. It is only in the second half that the film begins to detach itself somewhat from the figure of Ferrell and finally leave more room for both the actual contest and Rachel McAdam’s main female character. Like the first, the second half of the film struggles with clichés, predictability and tonal discrepancies. Sure, one or the other gag ignites and a few of the more warm moments know how to touch, but above all there is a constant uncertainty about what the intention behind the whole thing should be. It is far too tame for a successful satire, but too snappy for a homage.
The best way to find yourself in a RomCom is in a musical setting that will most likely delight fans of the real annual spectacle – here, among other things, a few unexpected cameos should cause a broad grin on the faces of the initiates. But even beyond the familiar faces, the film knows how to convince on a musical level. It is just as colorful and diverse as the original, and the last performance in particular gives you goosebumps and should at least be given a song nomination at this year’s Oscars.
In addition to the musical interludes, it is above all the actors who keep the audience on the ball and ensure that, despite the rather clumsy character drawings, you sympathize with the characters. In addition to Will Ferrell and Rachel McAdams as lovers in particular with great chemistry, Dan Stevens in particular has to be mentioned as a Russian candidate, who not only steals the show during his stage performances. And yes, Pierce Brosnan is always happy to be seen, no matter how small his role may be.
Conclusion
All in all, “Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga” is a film with many weaknesses and a few lengths, a running time of 90 minutes instead of the almost 2 hours would have been enough here, but also with a sympathetic cast and heart right spot, which is why you won’t break into cheers (unless you are an absolute fan of Will Ferrell or the Eurovision Song Contest), but you won’t regret the sighting either.
rating
5 out of 10 points (53/100)
Picture: (c) Netflix
