Will Ferrell Rachel McAdams Netflix Eurovision Movie Fire Saga

The reviews are in for Netflix’s much-hyped Eurovision movie — Eurovision Song Contest: The Story Of Fire Saga. Alas, while not a nul points disaster, douze points are scarce on the ground.

Most critics agree that the film is a mixed affair. Praise comes in for the infectious soundtrack, the song contest set pieces and Dan Stevens’ turn as Alexander Lemtov. However, the picture is also criticised for being overlong and unfunny. Much is written about the plot, particularly the romance storyline between the leads Will Ferrell and Rachel McAdams — the reviewers are not keen on it.

The film’s treatment of Eurovision also appears to be an Achilles heel. The EBU authorised production is said to be lacking bite, treating the contest with too much reverence. Yet at the same time, it is filled with inconsistencies that even the most casual Eurovision fan would spot. For instance, in this universe, the UK is perceived by the characters to be bad at the contest. Yet the country is hosting the fictional version of the event, implying that the Brits are the reigning champs.

Eurovision Song Contest: The Story Of Fire Saga will be available to stream on Netflix from Friday 26 June.

Read a round-up of some of the early reviews below.

Eurovision Song Contest: The Story Of Fire Saga — Reviews

The Guardian

⭐⭐ — Too timid for satire

It’s a strange, tonally misfiring movie. There are some nice gags and the idea that Lars and Sigrit’s relationship is psychosexually arrested in a creepy quasi-sibling state is funny. But basically we can never really laugh at them because they’re supposed to be sympathetic and relatable, so the script pulls its punches. Moreover, we can never really laugh at Eurovision itself, because Eurovision clearly has some corporate say in the film, and in any case Ferrell has clearly understood that mocking the event is the wrong call these days: the correct approach is celebratory affection.

Read the full review.

Variety

It looks like ‘Anchorman’ or ‘Talladega Nights’ minus the laughs

It’s fine, of course, to have affection for the thing that you’re satirizing, but “Eurovision Song Contest” is so sunny and mindlessly “positive” that the musical-performance sequences are all played relatively straight. It’s as if the filmmakers had thrown up their hands and said, “Europop — it’s funny, no?” Actually, no. There’s one theoretically amusing disaster, when Lars is performing on a giant hamster wheel that Sigrit’s dress gets caught in, but it turns into a lame piece of destruction, as if Dobkin, as terrific a job as he did with “Wedding Crashers,” now couldn’t be bothered to stage an intricate piece of slapstick.

Read the full review.

Empire

⭐⭐ — Big laughs are few and far between – the material just isn’t there

Which brings us to the film’s more significant problem. The opening stretch, showing life in Lars (Will Ferrell) and Sigrit’s (Rachel McAdams) small fishing village, provokes a few chuckles, but big laughs are few and far between. Ferrell and McAdams, playing lifelong friends who fancy each other but who might, for reasons that are never properly explained, be brother and sister, are always watchable (though one moment is a direct rip-off of McAdams’ wonderful “Oh no, he died!” reaction in Game Night). But the material (whether improvised or from the screenplay co-written by Ferrell) just isn’t there.

IGN

6/10 — Silly but inconsistent salute to Europe’s iconic music competition

It’s heartening that Ferrell, who co-wrote the script, has a clear affection for the competition. He might be an American but thanks to his Swedish wife he’s been watching the show for over 20 years. The film refuses to mock the Song Contest, instead, it affectionately teases the idiosyncrasies that make Eurovision such a campy, poptastic affair while celebrating the vibrant musicality that is delivered annually by the 50+ countries who compete. There are more than a few parody bops that deserve repeat listening after the credits roll, “Double Trouble” and “Volcano Man,” in particular.

More ardent fans might find themselves pulling an Alan Partridge by screaming at the TV, “stop getting Eurovision wrong!” every so often. In one scene, Russian contestant Alexander (Dan Stevens) jokes that everyone hates the UK because they get “nil points” each year, which is fair, but as the event is being hosted in Scotland that would mean the UK are the reigning champs. This nonsensical error is furthered when the ceremony is hosted by a pair of non-Brits, which seems like an odd thing to get wrong given how much effort went into making this movie authentic in other places.

Read the full review.

The Hollywood Reporter

Much to enjoy but much more to be desired

There’s a lot of fun in the wildly outré production values, the overblown sets, elaborate LED graphics, pyrotechnic lighting and tasteless choreography of the performances, as seen in “(Come and Play) Masquerade,” in which Mita emerges as a sexy astronaut. (Who doesn’t love a song title with a parenthetical?) Ferrell of course is in his delirious element with this over-the-top stuff, nowhere more so than when he takes the stage in a silver pit suit, singing while jogging in a giant hamster wheel.

Devoted Eurovision fans will smile at the appearance of regular U.K. commentator Graham Norton in that role, and Portuguese 2017 winner Salvador Sobral pops up in a delicate interlude as an Edinburgh street performer. The movie’s obvious love for the bizarre excesses of Eurovision, and the fun it has with them, make you wish the filmmakers could have condensed all the messy plot padding and just harnessed the excitement of the show.

Read the full review.

Digital Spy

⭐⭐⭐ — Not exactly a winner, but not nul points either

All it really does is extend an already bloated two-hour runtime where you’re just waiting for the next Eurovision moment to come around. What saves the movie though are those moments. After a sluggish start, the real star of the movie arrives when Fire Saga start their Eurovision journey and meet the other contestants, including Dan Stevens as the Russian favourite Alexander Lemtov. Stevens steals the show as the camp and louche Lemtov, who he plays with a Borat-esque accent. His wonderful performance brings laughs that are lacking elsewhere and his Eurovision performance is something to behold. Lemtov is also involved in the stand-out sequence of the movie that brings in some familiar Eurovision faces for their take on a Pitch Perfect riff-off. It’s totally indulgent and serves no real story purpose, but you won’t give a damn as it’s joyous.

Read the full review.

RTÉ

⭐⭐⭐ – A huit points heartwarmer

Turns out Ferrell and Netflix’s plan was to celebrate all that’s best about Eurovision – underdog stories, WTF production values, Mid-Atlantic accents, people making ‘party in the night’, cool cameos and, of course, the songs. And with contest organisers the European Broadcasting Union having skin and fake tan in this particular game, Story of Fire Saga aims for the heart and avoids going for the throat. There are laughs, but no sneers.

Read the full review.

NME

⭐⭐⭐— Like ‘Glee’ on ketamine

The cringy accents and misjudged jokes are a shame, in a way, because Ferrell’s film is actually a well-meaning underdog story about a couple of guileless dreamers who make it to Eurovision, f*** up massively (and hilariously), but ultimately end up succeeding anyway. Even Downton Abbey star Dan Stevens’ cartoon villain, Fire and Ice’s scheming Russian revival Alexander Lemtov, gets a happy ending involving a stealthy potshot at Putin’s homophobic regime. Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga isn’t a disaster, but it’s a case of douze points for the big comic set pieces, and maybe three or four for everything else.

Read the full review.

Time

Has one winner, and it’s not the movie’s leads

In a vampire dandy’s flash of brocade and velvet, Dan Stevens (perhaps best known as the ill-fated Matthew Crawley in the early seasons of Downton Abbey) shows up as conceited hottie billionaire Russian crooner Alexander Lemtov. During rehearsals, Lemtov takes the stage for his pyrotechnic-heavy number, “Lion of Love,” prowling the stage like a zoo cat in heat. He flashes a wink at Sigrit; she’s flattered, but resists. In his faux-Russian accent, as ornate as an imperial samovar, he promises her many riches—“mansions, palaces, wi-fi in every room”—and still, Sigrit sticks with Lars. Her loss. As Lemtov, Stevens is so absurdly lascivious that he supercharges the movie every time he shows up, which, thankfully, is often. Innocent gazelles everywhere, look out.

Read the full review.

The Washington Post

⭐⭐ — Will Ferrell dials down the crazy in run-of-the-mill rom-com

Speaking of wasted opportunity, there’s plenty of fodder here to make fun of Eurovision, but it’s hampered by the fact that many Americans don’t really know anything about the contest, and the jokes, if there were more of them, would probably fly over our heads. In any case, neither the film’s writers, Ferrell and “Saturday Night Live” veteran Andrew Steele, nor its director, David Dobkin (“Wedding Crashers”), seem especially interested in making a “Spinal Tap”-style parody. At heart, “Eurovison” seems content to be more dumb rom-com than sharp music satire.

Read the full review.

20 minutes

A Netflix comedy far from the reality of the competition

The final outcome wants to take us back two years ago going through Lisbon’s trash where Will Ferrell has no doubt abandoned his observations of the competition and its organisation. We are indeed curious to know what he was able to retain as the scenario he co-wrote takes the decision to oversimplify the Eurovision machine. In fiction, the candidates are left to their own devices, in constant improvisation. The rehearsals have the same intensity as the preparations for the Marie Myriam School Fair in Pontault-Combault. The live shows are in total let go in the face of the various incidents occurring on the stage.

Saying we were waiting for a naturalist movie would be disingenuous. Will Ferrell is not known for being embarrassed by subtlety and we know that if he appears in the casting of a film about a very particular universe, it is not to find a documentary dimension in it.One cannot help but think that at Eurovision 2016, Måns Zelmerlöw and Petra Mede, with their act entitled “Love Love Peace Peace” managed to say more relevant and funny things about the competition in the space of five minutes than Netflix’s comedy does in two hours.

Read the full review (in French)

What do you think of the reviews? Are you curious to watch? Or will you give it a miss? Let us know in the comments.

Follow all of our Netflix ‘Eurovision Song Contest: The Story Of Fire Saga’ news.

95 Comments
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Charlie
Charlie
3 years ago

Loved it. Not an award winner but so much fun.

Giorgio
Giorgio
3 years ago

I had decided that I wouldn’t watch it because of the trailer (ew), but then my best friend (a local) called me to discuss the film with her. She enjoyed it, so I promised to watch. The American brand of humour was offputting, but I expected as much from any Hollywood so-called comedy. The script is intelligence-insulting. Negatively surprised by the too many inconsistencies (how did the EBU approved this? I read someowhere that Jon Ola Sand was a producer? Glad he’s out the door now.) The song-along scene and the villain played by Dan Stevens kinda made up for… Read more »

Azura
Azura
3 years ago
Reply to  Giorgio

You do realize that it’s a comedy movie? There are a ton of Icelandic and Swedish actors participating as characters in the movies. I am a fan, of all of those actors. They knew that it was a satirical comedy movie. I think you’re taking it way too fing seriously and you need to calm the hell down. It wasn’t a biographical portrayal of someone trying to get into the Eurovision contest. I quite frankly thought it was well done, for a Will Ferrell movie. He pulled back the reigns on himself like 90%, which I respected and I liked.… Read more »

Last edited 3 years ago by Azura
Azura
Azura
3 years ago
Reply to  Giorgio

And if all else fails for you, and anyone else who doesn’t understand that the Eurovision contest, in the movie, is just the catalyst to connect the love story? Then rejoice in Molly Sandén. The singer behind Sigrit’s character. Because she has the most beautiful voice I’ve ever heard in my entire effing life. 100%.

Last edited 3 years ago by Azura
Azura
Azura
3 years ago

I actually loved this movie. I know Will Ferrell movies can be hit or miss. Blades of glory < anchorman, for example. I did go into watching this with pretty low expectations, however; totally love this movie. I think it’s great. The accents are supposed to be terrible, the story is sweet though. I like the fact that Ferrell toned it down. I love all the music. For me it’s a pretty solid B+. Definitely re-watchable, songs I am in love with. Overall I just thought it was fucking great. I think people are taking it way too seriously

Gassenhaur
Gassenhaur
3 years ago

Watched it on Saturday, and enjoyed it but I didn’t think it really capture the magic of the contest very well. The Cameos were fun, but there needed to be more (where was Verka, Mans, Eleni?) and more classic songs as well as new parody numbers, and more of a sense of event at the final. As it was, it felt like something you could just wonder in and out of at will, and too much of the drama took place outside. And because Ferrell’s character was more focused on winning, that being a superfan, it lost that voice of… Read more »

Joe
Joe
3 years ago
Reply to  Gassenhaur

There was no way they could’ve squeezed every single Eurovision icon into one song, or even one film. They got a couple of the big modern examples (Netta, Conchita, Jamala, Alexander Rybak, Loreen, and Salvador Sobral), and a few that even by our standards aren’t obvious (Anna Odobescu being the big example here, but also non-Eurofans won’t even know who Jessy Matador or Bilal Hassani are). They likely didn’t include any of the Russian or Greek/Cypriot contestants because they wouldn’t really allow the parodies to stand on their own (including someone like Sergey Lazarev or Eleni Foureira would almost be… Read more »

Joe
Joe
3 years ago
Reply to  Joe

To break it down further: none of the Eurovision cameos in the movie have that much in common with the parody acts that appear in it. Loreen and Elina Nechayeva don’t have any obvious parallels here, otherwise their appearing would be redundant. The only way something like that could work would be if, say, Mariya Yaremchuk was in the audience during “Double Trouble” and shrugged and said, “It’s been done” (which, in turn, would be swiping a joke from The Simpsons), but a non-Eurofan wouldn’t get the joke.

Gassenhaur
Gassenhaur
3 years ago
Reply to  Joe

Ah, I think there were all sorts of places where they could have been a few more Eurovision stars sipped in without bogging it down; the hosts, the people giving the scores during the semi-final… Verka as airport staff. And some of the people in the song-a-long were a bit random. The whole film seemed a bit slapped together at some points, so I think they probably went in hard to get a handful of bigger names and then just did a call out to agents and got whoever turned up. Also, when they went out clubbing a few times;… Read more »

Jonny
Jonny
3 years ago

For me this movie was on the same level as Driving Me Crazy/Trabbi goes to Hollywood from 1991. Really, really bad.

Azura
Azura
3 years ago
Reply to  Jonny

That’s your opinion and I respect it. But I think you completely missed the entire point, which is the Eurovision contest was the linear playing field so to speak, for the love story between the two main characters. And above all else, the fing music. Please seek help.

Joe
Joe
3 years ago

Alright! I’ve seen it, and I really enjoyed it! A lot of the less-accurate stuff can be chalked up to the fact that it’s a movie, and if showing the voting sequence during the semifinal spoils the illusion for you (after some of the very absurd stuff in the beginning of the movie – if you’ve seen it, you know what I’m talking about), I can’t help you. I loved the sing-along, the majority of jokes hit their mark, there was a real heart to it that made you want to root for our leads, the facsimile Eurovision songs were… Read more »

TheDr Mistery
TheDr Mistery
3 years ago
Reply to  Joe

It all took me out of the movie. Character vomitting over “Amor pelos dois” Terrible way of making them winners of Icelandic NF… …and then Graham Norton doesn’t know why they’re there William is a commentator now? (joke, it didn’t bother me) Spain performing in the semi Jamala partying in the house of a Russian superstar Loreen sounding… really bad Russian joining Icelandic team in the green room Giving points in the semi? (terrible) Changing things at the last minute/no dress rehearsal No traditional songs/ballads, only uptempos (to make the big one stand out?) The actual ‘accident’ on stage Mother… Read more »

TheDr Mistery
TheDr Mistery
3 years ago
Reply to  TheDr Mistery

I forgot about “obligatory nul points for UK” but then Scottland is hosting…
Presented by duo with bad accents… That might have been the worst.

Briekimchi
Briekimchi
3 years ago

Anyone else notice that Sweden had seven people on stage? Tsk tsk.

Joe
Joe
3 years ago
Reply to  Briekimchi

I did!

Polliu
Polliu
3 years ago

It’s an okay film and I don’t think I’m the only one who thinks that Dan’s character hints at the possible someone in Russia. LOL

Dalth
Dalth
3 years ago

It was a pretty average film to be honest although it did improve has it went on, the first hour was kinda dire. Pierce Brosnans Icelandic via the Welsh valleys accent was the highlight.

Last edited 3 years ago by Dalth
Kristian
Kristian
3 years ago

I enjoyed the movie for what it is and found certain parts of it very funny and entertaning. It’s obvious that the movie builds around the awkard, but yet charming relationship between Leif and Sigrit. They are two interesting chracters that i grew to really like throughout the movie. I also found most of the performances and songs epic and think they are similar to something we could actually see at Eurovision. But as most euro-fans here i was not a big fan of all the inconsistencies, and some times wished the movie would make more sense and show us… Read more »

Toorjan
Toorjan
3 years ago

The only fun this ridiculous movie has are all the cameos of Eurovision Stars, and William.
What really grinds me is that we live in a world where someone (Netflix) funds the tasteless, not-funny and stupid fancy/whim of a completely talentless idiot (Will Ferrel).
This movie is horrible and a disappointment and provided very little fun/enjoyment – shame on the EBU for any kind of association/approval of this trash.
Haven’t we been through enough this year, with the virus and cancellation of Eurovision. Now this. Ugh.

noone
noone
3 years ago

It doesn’t have much to do with Eurovision. It’s an American rom-com with ESC as a plot point. The whole story is just stupid, why would the Russian singer do all this drama, why the Greek girl, they go on stage with no rehearsals etc. We don’t see much of ESC at all. I was hoping for a crazy, insane and politically incorrect parody, but just got a really cheesy American rom-com.

gilpgilp
gilpgilp
3 years ago

The highlight of the movie was the “21st Century Viking” who performed first in the Icelandic final.

noone
noone
3 years ago
Reply to  gilpgilp

Yes, that was the funniest thing in the movie.

Joe
Joe
3 years ago
Reply to  gilpgilp

I haven’t seen the movie yet but are we sure that isn’t Rasmussen?

Last edited 3 years ago by Joe
Skiwalko
Skiwalko
3 years ago
Reply to  Joe

That was a Dutch actor named Milan van Weelden.

gilpgilp
gilpgilp
3 years ago
Reply to  Skiwalko

He did a great job!

T.J.
T.J.
3 years ago

This must be the dumbest movie I’ve watched in years! People who laugh when a whole ship explodes and only think about their personal advantage out of it is not funny. In no universe. The storyline is too long, too repetitive, too predictable, the characters are dumb, shallow, not credible and mostly utterly annoying. The only good to say about this are some of the songs and the handsome Russian.

T.J.
T.J.
3 years ago
Reply to  T.J.

Anyone downvoting me is just proving bad taste, so keep on going! LOL

Azura
Azura
3 years ago
Reply to  T.J.

You must be from The U.K. I know that in the movie it says that no one likes U.K. so effing true by the way. There’s not supposed to be an Emmy, Golden Globe winning movie. It’s sweet, and stupid, and silly, and a pretty love story, with seriously awesome music. You just seem like a super bitter person? And you should probably work on that, so you don’t die with like a dark ass bitter soul?. I don’t think Will Ferrell and Rachel McAdams went into that thinking they were going to be like perfect Icelandic/English accents. It was… Read more »

Last edited 3 years ago by Azura
Sandra Cohen
Sandra Cohen
3 years ago

SPOILER ALERT , stop reading now, if you don’t want to know any details. I had very low expectations,as a kid who grew up watching Eurovision with friends and family. It was a an event of the year( besides Olympics). Eurovision is blend of cultures, languages and history all united with love for a song. I had to say movie was a bit cheesy, but all in all entertaining and fun. I am glad Croatia ( my country) was mentioned, and there were few scenes with Croatian flags in the background. I have to mention( maybe by accident) Croatia was… Read more »

Last edited 3 years ago by Sandra Cohen
poe-tay-toe-chips
poe-tay-toe-chips
3 years ago

I watched the movie with a friend today (who doesn’t watch Eurovision but is a good enough sport to put up with me talking about it and playing music all the time). She enjoyed it. I thought it was an alright movie. It was a pleasant way to spend a couple hours since we were stuck inside because of rain. Having watched some of Will Ferrells previous films, this one was exactly how I expected it to be. Like what was done with nascar racing and ice skating in his previous films, the portrayal of the song contest wasn’t entirely… Read more »

Colin
Colin
3 years ago

The only concrete thing I wish they joked about, but didn’t was “neighborsvision”. For instance, if Latvia was giving their points, they could have made a small dramatic pause before announcing that their 12 points go to Lithuania. Then you hear the audience gasp in surprise, except Alexander Lemtov, who makes a “really?” expression. Otherwise, I am glad they didn’t go overboard with the mockery. Not because there isn’t anything to mock (of course there is, and to a degree, they did), but because most non-fans still have an idea that the contest is basically campy and cheesy all the… Read more »

Ulla Rajala
Ulla Rajala
3 years ago
Reply to  Colin

They should have had the eternal Greece – Cyprus douze points!

Ulla Rajala
Ulla Rajala
3 years ago

I really liked the movie. I had read the reviews before watching and I am not great fan of Ferrell, so it was a pleasant surprise that it was so quaint. The music was spot on and the sing along with former winners and regulars was uplifting. I have to watch it again!

mark dowd
mark dowd
3 years ago

Highlights? The cameos and set piece stunt with scarf and hamster wheel. Negatives? Will Ferrell, strange Eurovision inconsistencies ,(Spain in a semi final getting jury votes,?) And length of film… Twenty five mins too long. Nice try. 5/10.

Joe
Joe
3 years ago
Reply to  mark dowd

SPOILERS!

George
George
3 years ago

I loved it. The Eurovision cliches were spot-on, the songs and performances were amazing, great acting. Don’t understand the hate from some Eurofans to be honest. This movie did not make fun of Eurovision, complete opposite actually – introduced it as a truly exclusive and extraordinary show. My eyes were glued for whole 2 hours straight. And it was entertaining as hell.

MartyMcCu
MartyMcCu
3 years ago

I actually enjoyed this as i found it refreshingly entertaining and funny at times. Something to smile and be distracted from the ongoing pandemic and glum news. Love the cameo appearances and medley by previous participants. Don’t take it seriously as it’s very light and timid entertainment wise. Finally this film was supposed to be released back in April/May before the contest that never was. After watching this , with so much publicity with Iceland in this film, i’m certain they would have been the real winners at this years contest in Rotterdam, hands down too as a runaway from both… Read more »

Colin
Colin
3 years ago

Here’s my *short* review. Mild spoilers ahead: As a big fan of the contest, I was very curious to see this film. It follows aspiring Icelandic musicians Lars (Will Farrell) and Sigrid (Rachel McAdams) as they start their way to compete in the Eurovision Song Contest. As a comedy, it’s fairly standard, but enjoyable. It’s a classic underdog story with a romantic subplot. McAdams’ character is way more likable than Farrell’s and even if we are supposed to see that he’s flawed, sometimes he seems too selfish and childish to root for. Some of the jokes are funny, some aren’t.… Read more »

Last edited 3 years ago by Colin
first row at ESC and JESC
first row at ESC and JESC
3 years ago

I have seen the film now for 2 times and well, I love it. You can see and feel Will Ferrells passion and love for the contest. The film has some parts that really touch the heart – but the music is even better. I would rank that film a 3.8/5 and the music a 4.5/5 – overall a 4/5.

Christian
Christian
3 years ago

Good on them for trying, but as the late Sir Terry Wogan pointed out while chiding ‘joke’ entries, you can’t out-camp the contest itself. Eurovision is a mix of so many different elements – including silliness – and moving parts that have come together by happy accident over 60 years that it’s almost impossible to replicate in satire/parody. The closest anyone got was probably Peace, Peace, Love, Love, and that had the sense to be over within 5 minutes and let the contest speak for itself.

Joe
Joe
3 years ago
Reply to  Christian

What I honestly appreciate is that the fake acts weren’t so absurd as to beggar belief that they could actually happen live. Iceland, of course, being an exception, but if you told me that that was an actual entry for Greece or Finland I wouldn’t honestly be that shocked. I’ve heard songs like the “Swedish” entry in Melfest before (almost Felix Sandman-y, really). The only one I don’t buy is Belarus – not because I couldn’t see an act like that at Eurovision (they’re pretty transparently parodying Lordi, and well), but because Belarus have never sent a song that risky.

Joe
Joe
3 years ago

Gonna give this a watch tomorrow night. Very exciting!

Colin
Colin
3 years ago

Just watched the film. I wrote a full review on IMDb. It’s currently under the process of verification there. Once it’s published, I’ll publish it here too.

Last edited 3 years ago by Colin
Benjamin K
Benjamin K
3 years ago

I honestly wanted to enjoy this film, but Will Ferell destroyed his beautiful project by himself. The critic from “20 minutes” translates everything: the ESC is too much simplified, and a complete stranger to the contest has a wrong image of it after watching this movie. *Spoil* THE FLOPS: -The voting sequence of the semi final is a disaster. -The relationship between the contestants is totally fake: love story and sabotage between countries. -The stereotype of the nasty Russian. -Will Ferrell’s performance. -The entire script with the elves and ghost. -The tragedy with the explosion of the boat and the… Read more »

Joe
Joe
3 years ago
Reply to  Benjamin K

If I may quote Mystery Science Theater 3000, “It’s just a show, you should really just relax.” OBVIOUSLY Iceland would withdraw in real life if (SPOILER ALERT DON’T READ THE REST OF THIS COMMENT IF YOU HAVEN’T SEEN THE MOVIE) all of their other potential contestants were killed. It’s also a comedy movie where whales casually jump around and dance in the Icelandic waters and fiery visions appear to Will Ferrell. If it took you out of the moment, I’m sorry, but this isn’t so much a movie about Eurovision as it is a movie with Eurovision as the setting.… Read more »

James
James
3 years ago

They should have had Petroc Trelawny as one of the fictional hosts.

HBau
HBau
3 years ago

Not sure if you can watch it overseas yet, just finished watching here in Australia.

It’s good, not great. Ferrell is the weak link, the music is the highlight, and it definitely is worth watching for a Eurovision fan despite everything that they get wrong.

Bit disappointed that Australia was completely absent but probably didn’t want to confuse the US audience?

Last edited 3 years ago by HBau
Jonas
Jonas
3 years ago
Reply to  HBau

There’s already been many articles. Do you mean a review article? That would be nice. The Wiwi team giving it marks out of ten, and then we get an average…a big ask, though, considering a song lasts three minutes and this lasts two hours.

Hot Square
Hot Square
3 years ago
Reply to  HBau

Australia did appear in the contest in the movie. It appears in the list of countries in the voting in the SEMI FINAL. You know, with the other 25 COUNTRIES….

It was an OK movie, but just that. The moments that grabed my attention were Salvador Sobral in Edinburg and the final song in the Final. Also the cameos by Eurovision artists were ok. But, for me, no rewatchable value.

Last edited 3 years ago by Hot Square
Moonstar
Moonstar
3 years ago

My opinion. Will Ferrell is just an average actor. He is not that funny. His movies were never that funny. So I didn’t expect much from this one.

Last edited 3 years ago by Moonstar
JDS
JDS
3 years ago
Reply to  Moonstar

Anchorman was great. Then every successive movie he did was worse than the previous one.

Raoul
Raoul
3 years ago

There was also an enthusiastic piece in Vulture.

JDS
JDS
3 years ago

I wonder if Saturday’s Eurovision Again final will actually be a live watch-along of the new movie?

Roy Moreno
Roy Moreno
3 years ago

I’m just gonna wait and watch it before I judge
I hope it’s good :3

Pontus
Pontus
3 years ago

i will not watch it. the trailer is soooo bad.

George
George
3 years ago
Reply to  Pontus

It’s nothing like the trailer. I thought so too, that the trailer sucked, but the movie is actually pretty solid.

xohxoh
xohxoh
3 years ago

Well, just as i thought… Trash.

srulik
srulik
3 years ago

Let’s watch the probably overlong movie and see if us as esc superfans enjoy it or not. Critics don’t matter. Let me just say that if the movie ia a hit I would suggest that russia take on dan stevens/lemtov as 2021 act.

dygh
dygh
3 years ago

Of all 42 countries they chose the UK to be the host? Lame

Skiwalko
Skiwalko
3 years ago
Reply to  dygh

Well, they hosted a record amount of 8 contests, and Edinburgh did host the last edition of Eurovision… Young Musicians.

Joe
Joe
3 years ago
Reply to  Skiwalko

The three main countries all fit into a mold that works with movies like these (Iceland = quirky country people don’t necessarily know a ton about off the top of their heads, Russia = big country with a competitive streak, UK = known for hosting big cultural events). Sure, we could try for a movie where our plucky heroes are from Moldova, their main competition is from Latvia, and the whole thing takes place in Malta, but I feel like it’d be a little too esoteric. We Eurovision fans just happen to know more about lesser-known countries than most people.… Read more »

Skiwalko
Skiwalko
3 years ago
Reply to  Joe

Good point. As cynical as it may sound, it looks like this film was mainly intended for the American audience, who naturally know less about European geography than… well, Europeans, the same way your average European doesn’t know much about North Carolina or Missouri. Plus, Iceland is widely regarded as a friendly, remote, scarcely populated country, which is perfect for your underdog story – it helps the viewers sympathise with the main characters and root for them, whereas choosing some lesser-known country might have led to a series of cheap Borat-style jokes at the expense of people form Eastern Europe.

Skiwalko
Skiwalko
3 years ago
Reply to  Joe

(first comment got filtered) Good point. As cynical as it may sound, it looks like this film was mainly intended for the American audience, who naturally know less about European geography than… well, Europeans, the same way your average European doesn’t know much about North Carolina or Missouri. Plus, Iceland is widely regarded as a friendly, remote, scarcely populated country, which is perfect for your underdog story – it helps the viewers sympathise with the main characters and root for them, whereas choosing some lesser-known country could have led to a series of cheap Borat-style jokes at the expense of… Read more »

Last edited 3 years ago by Skiwalko
Joe
Joe
3 years ago
Reply to  Skiwalko

Well yeah. Exactly. (To be fair, most Americans don’t know much about North Carolina or Missouri either, except that you might not wanna visit either of them right now since the midwest has handled COVID-19 terribly). As a gateway to Eurovision and realizing that truth is stranger than fiction sometimes, I think it’ll do the job. I honestly am of the belief that unless they’re actively dismissing it, no publicity is bad publicity if they’re putting Eurovision on the map here in the States. (On the flip side, we can’t put the States on the Eurovision map because competing would… Read more »

Joe
Joe
3 years ago
Reply to  Joe

There’s also the stereotype of Nordic countries being either emotionless and calculating or chipper happy blonde people. They’re a little too specific about Icelandic culture here to say they’re just using it because Sweden was too obvious, but there’s a hint of it. I will say it was funny seeing the South Park episode where Danes fly in to replace Canadians when they go on strike because “Denmark is the Canada of Europe” (which leads the organizer of the Canadian strike to scream “SCABS!”). (And honestly, they MIGHT be the Canada of Europe. Them or Ireland. In Eurovision terms, though,… Read more »

Skiwalko
Skiwalko
3 years ago
Reply to  Joe

Oh, I must say that I find this whole American-Canadian friendly rivalry very cute. I’m not familiar enough with Canadian stereotypes to say which country is the European counterpart of Canada. The only ones I know are that they love hockey and Tim Hortons, that it’s cold out there and that they say “eh?” a lot. Basically, I’ve been told that they’re like America’s chilled-out sister (correct me if I’m wrong).Based on them, maybe Finland?

Joe
Joe
3 years ago
Reply to  Skiwalko

Americans and Canadians have a pretty affectionate rivalry with each other (or not-so-affectionate, depending on how patriotic the other person is), partially because our major teams face off in hockey and baseball all the time (they’re basically the only reason we get to call it a “World” Series – the Toronto Blue Jays have won twice), and culturally we share a lot. Canada’s just smaller (in terms of people – in size, it’s the biggest country in the world) and therefore their cultural oddities stand out a bit more to us here in the States, especially since they have an… Read more »

Joe
Joe
3 years ago
Reply to  Skiwalko

I wrote a whole long answer that’s still not gotten past moderation for whatever reason. Basically, Canada are considered culturally pretty close to us, but with enough differences in government structure and general attitude that we kinda josh them for it (and we’re big rivals in hockey, also baseball if you’re talking about the Blue Jays). They are to us as New Zealand is to Australia and Ireland is to the UK: our smaller, generally-kinder neighbors.

Skiwalko
Skiwalko
3 years ago
Reply to  Joe

This is so fun to read, I can’t wait for the long answer. By the way, I actually think that “Borat” is a clever film that’s making fun of racism and prejudices, but that’s a discussion for another time.

Joe
Joe
3 years ago
Reply to  Skiwalko

You find similar parallels with Australia/New Zealand in rugby and…well, I guess not the UK and Ireland with football. More like England and the rest of the UK in football. (Also Croatia and Serbia with basketball, except I don’t think either of them are like Canada. Montenegro’s the closest thing to the Canada of the Balkans I can think of. Possibly Slovenia.) Best I can put it: Norway is the Canada of the Nordics Ireland is the Canada of Western Europe Malta is the Canada of the Mediterranean Switzerland is the Canada of Central Europe Montenegro or Slovenia would be… Read more »

Joe
Joe
3 years ago
Reply to  Joe

(In the cases of Norway, Ireland, and Georgia, they also work as a parallel because neighboring countries have generally soured their reputations by being jerks to them, Norway perhaps less recently than the other two.)

Jonas
Jonas
3 years ago
Reply to  Joe

Another similarity between Ireland and Canada – when they go abroad, they are often mistaken for their nearest neighbours. Canada because of the accent, Ireland because they speak English. They are enraged by this.

Joe
Joe
3 years ago
Reply to  Jonas

Ireland is funky because I have had conversations with people from Ireland whom I’ve just met and if their accent is subtle and they haven’t mentioned where they’re from, it can take me upwards of ten minutes to realize that’s not an American accent. Canada varies – I know some people with accents so subtle you’d have no idea they were Canadian if they didn’t say (one moved to Toronto when she was very young but she has dual citizenship, so she’s very active about American politics but does in fact say “aboot”), and some with accents so thick you’d… Read more »

Joe
Joe
3 years ago
Reply to  Skiwalko

I also would say you’re right about Borat, but people who don’t really think about the film besides over-the-top impressions of the title character are the ones who’ve soured its reputation to Kazakhs and Eastern Europeans.

James
James
3 years ago
Reply to  Joe

The only set of Americans who know of North Carolina’s existence are those who sees it as the home of a number of well-loved TV shows, particularly those shot in Wilmington. 🙂

James
James
3 years ago
Reply to  Skiwalko

Having watched the movie just now, and hopefully, whatI’ll say can be considered non-spoilerrific: There are subtle nods to some of the intricacies most familiar to us fans when it comes to certain things associated with the contest. It’s quite interesting.

Joe
Joe
3 years ago
Reply to  James

I got the vibe that they did their homework.

Jonas
Jonas
3 years ago
Reply to  Joe

In 2011, I think just about no average person knew anything about Azerbaijan, could not pick it out on a map, and maybe had never even heard of it. I think this is why they were so determined to “win” and boost their profile.

Sorry, maybe just another one of my conspiracy theories nobody seems to like.

Joe
Joe
3 years ago
Reply to  Jonas

I mean, I’d never heard of Azerbaijan before I started looking up Eurovision. Nor Luxembourg or San Marino. I’d call myself ignorant except I feel like I’m not alone there. (Of course, now I know more than I ever thought I would about all of those places, especially San Marino).

Malo
Malo
3 years ago

Everyone, the reviews say that it doesn’t make fun of ESC, so what are you all complaining about?
I understand that you might want a “good” movie in general, but the fans’ main concern has been if they would make a mockery out of ESC, which apparently they don’t.

Denis
Denis
3 years ago
Reply to  Malo

Well isn’t that the point to make fun of it? It was meant to be a parody of the real ESC, was it not? Then they failed on that point because they didn’t do it, hence the criticism. A satiric parody comedy not being satiric enough. In comedy anything should be made fun of, ESC included. It is not sacred. Problem is that EBU controlled it too much and Will Ferrell simply isn’t fun enough.

Fast Food Music Lover
Fast Food Music Lover
3 years ago

Usually I let reviews influence what I’m gonna watch but for this one, I’m gonna watch it anyway because I was really looking forward to it.

Guilbert Enriquez
Guilbert Enriquez
3 years ago

I don’t have high hopes for this movie. So I would be spared from unnecessary frustrations. A frustration caused by a Covid resulting to a 2020 Eurovision cancellation was more than enough.

Kosey
Kosey
3 years ago

I find the reviews really confusing. A lot of the reviewers seem to be saying they wanted more making fun of Eurovision. So in a way, I guess as super-fans, we probably didn’t want a 5 star rating in that context? It is a Will Ferrell movie, so I have never been expecting anything other than a comedy. Therefore, I am hoping for some laughs, perhaps some gentle fun-poking at the more absurd elements of the competition but hopefully nothing with a nasty streak to it. I am not expecting a documentary or a eulogy, just a bit of fun… Read more »

Jonas
Jonas
3 years ago

Just like the BBC-produced 60th anniversary show in London!

Joe
Joe
3 years ago
Reply to  Jonas

History repeats!

Stian F
Stian F
3 years ago

Uk could have very well recieved the 0 points the year before… And not being the reign champion. Australia could have won the year before, or one of the really poor natuons that cannot host anw then UK took it on them to host…

Jonas
Jonas
3 years ago
Reply to  Stian F

Y’know, that almost makes perfect sense considering it’s practically what happened when Edinburgh did in fact host the contest in real life.

Skiwalko
Skiwalko
3 years ago
Reply to  Stian F

Interestingly, this May it was reported that SBS signed an agreement with RUV stating that should Australia win Eurovision, Iceland would host the next edition, which is pretty cool, if you ask me.

srulik
srulik
3 years ago
Reply to  Skiwalko

I doubt this is o.k with the EBU. They always said that i case Australia wins(never going to happen) one of the big 5 would host so it would be more accessible to fans and ensures that a country won’t get automatic qualification based on hosting.

Skiwalko
Skiwalko
3 years ago
Reply to  srulik

I don’t think they would sing it behind EBU’s back. Here’s a link to the article for more information:
https://eurovoix.com/2020/05/15/iceland-australia-wishes-iceland-to-host-should-sbs-win-the-eurovision-song-contest/

Last edited 3 years ago by Skiwalko
Denis
Denis
3 years ago

Well, is anyone actually surprised by the response? We all knew it wasn’t headed for greatness.. This is from the same guy that made Sherlock Holmes!

Alex
Alex
3 years ago

One cannot help but think that at Eurovision 2016, Måns Zelmerlöw and Petra Mede, with their act entitled “Love Love Peace Peace” managed to say more relevant and funny things about the competition in the space of five minutes than Netflix’s comedy does in two hours.——————————-> THE SHADE OF IT ALLLLL!!! BUT ON POINT!