Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga

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. (07/03/2020)

The central storyline has been used through the copy paper many times, and some plot points, such as the actions and motivations of the main villain, seem completely random and written entirely to anger movie-goers. Still, when you watch the awkward out-of-place characters of Will Ferrell and Rachel McAdams trying to fulfill their dreams, and Pierce Brosnan’s futile attempt at a Nordic accent, the whole outsider-pop thing has to soften your heart to some extent. This movie is an undemanding no-brainer and at the same time an alright easy-to-follow musical fluff, nothing more, nothing less. (02/15/2021)

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. (06/08/2021)

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. (07/03/2020)

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% (06/30/2020)