‘Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga’ Review- A Few Chuckles Here And There
This film streamed in 2020.
Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga is a Netflix comedy film directed by David Dobkin surrounding the Eurovision Song Contest, a real singing competition in Europe. It is written by Andrew Steele and Will Ferrell, who also star in the film.
Lars Erickssong (Will Ferrell) and Sigrit Ericksdóttir (Rachel McAdams) are childhood friends who make the awful Fire Saga musical band. The former dreams of winning Eurovision while the latter just wants to make music. Lars’ widowed father Erick (Pierce Brosnan) is embarrassed by his son and often expresses his disappointment in his career choice. The Icelandic government is excited that they have a shot to win Eurovision with the incredibly talented popstar Katiana (Demi Lovato). They randomly pull Fire Saga’s cassette tape from a batch as another act they have to “audition.” As predicted, the duo bomb, and embarrassed, they skip a yacht party where the other contestants are killed in an explosion. This sends the duo to Edinburgh, gaining entry into Eurovision by default. They befriend Russian singer Alexander Letmov (Dan Stevens) and Greek singer Mita (Melissanthi Mahut). As they interact with other performers, Lars and Sigrit begin to doubt their partnership and what it means for their respective singing careers.
I have come to find that comedies made after 2010 are a mixed bag, especially those starring former SNL cast members. While I am not prepared to say that the movie is total garbage, I am also not prepared to say it was anything that stood out. It was nothing that blew my mind, but I did not feel bored the entire time.
I will say, Will Ferrell and Rachel McAdams did have decent chemistry in the movie. Most of the laughs come from their banter, particularly McAdams’ character's discussion of Icelandic Elves that allegedly lives in the mountains. Dan Stevens was there, but I felt like his heart was not really in the part. I would not say he was phoning it in, but he definitely took a step back even compared to Pierce Brosnan, who had a much smaller role. Likewise, Demi Lovato did a good job with her singing cameo. For her small role, she brought her A-game.
As for the music, Atli Örvarsson was the main composer, and he did a fantastic job with both the impressive songs as well as the songs that were meant to be comedic. It definitely parodies a lot of the “trends” that happen with modern music, particularly hip-hop and pop, which have become more about the spectacle than the music. This was clear in some of the scenes and it added to the humor of the movie.
Bottom line, Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga does produce some laughs, but overall it was nothing that really stands out as a comedy. The music is impressive and some of the dialogue produces chuckles, but a little more.
As an aside, I feel like I should mention some jokes were insulting Americans. It was unclear whether this was a parody of how the snooty attitudes some Europeans have toward Americans or if it was genuine criticism. Because of that lack of clarity, those jokes fell flat when delivered.
PARENTAL CONCERNS: Foul language, Violence, Innuendo, Suggestive lyrics
FAVORITE QUOTE: The elves went too far!
Check out the trailer below:
What do you think? Let me know in the comments below. Tell me if there is a comic book, movie, or anime you would like me to review.