The Eagle (C+ or 2.5/4 stars)
'The Eagle' is a sword & sandals action/drama directed by Kevin MacDonald (Last King of Scotland, State of Play). This film isn't great. But I like a movie that knows it isn't great, but strives to be satisfyingly 'okay', and not the second coming of Gladiator - if it isn't. The story takes place in 140 AD in Roman-ruled Britain. 20 yrs. after the disappearance of the entire Ninth Legion in the unchartered Scottish highlands, young Roman soldier Marcus Aquila (Channing Tatum) arrives from Rome to solve the mystery of the disappearance of his well-reputed father, commander of the Ninth. See, said father, Flavius Aquila, marched north carrying their treasured golden Eagle emblem of the Ninth. And with no explanation, the 5,000-strong legion vanished with the Scottish mists.
So, hearing a rumor that the Eagle is with a Gaelic tribe in the far north, Marcus leaves his uncle's (Donald Sutherland) home to take matters into his own hands. After saving a man's life, Marcus takes said man, a British slave named Esca (Jamie Bell) under his wing & sets out into the vast landscapes of northern Britain; hoping to cross the dangerous Hadrian's Wall. Can Marcus & Esca get along? Does Esca have a personal link to the Eagle, himself? What happens if and/or when the duo confronts the savage tribe (spoken about above)? Can they trick & overcome the Seal Prince (Tahar Rahim, so good in last year's A Prophet), leader of the savage warrior tribe? Can Marcus attain the Eagle & restore his noble father's reputation? Elements of loyalty, betrayal, friendship, & deceit ensue.
'The Eagle' is a standard period actioner that gets better as it goes along. That's damning it with faint praise; but praise nevertheless. Let's talk about some of the film's strengths. Firstly, I really, really liked the cinematography. The way in which the camera captures the wilderness (in particular) is really, really beautiful. Scotland is a lush & foggy country. But the cinematography just made it look like an almost other-worldly place. I also liked the male bonding aspect of the film. Channing Tatum is a wooden actor; who occasionally summons some startling emotion to make you think that there IS talent in there somewhere. I almost wish this film had a more charismatic lead. Jamie Bell is always a welcomed inclusion to any film. And I liked the relationship these guys develop as the movie proceeds.
There's nothing deep about 'The Eagle'. It lacks some narrative energy (needed more of a sense of adventure). I didn't care for some of the anachronistic dialogue (sure didn't sound like people talking in the 2nd century), or Tatum's strained attempts at having an accent. And there are a few too many elements borrowed from said Gladiator, or even a 300, or an Apocalypto (especially with that scary-ass hellion tribe). But overall, 'The Eagle' is diverting enough; especially as the duo travel north towards the savage tribe (who all look awesome in their bones, mohawks, & creepy grey/blue make-up). I'll give this film a small pass because it tells a standard tale of redemption with enough moments of flair & intelligence to grasp onto your interest. Maybe.
So, hearing a rumor that the Eagle is with a Gaelic tribe in the far north, Marcus leaves his uncle's (Donald Sutherland) home to take matters into his own hands. After saving a man's life, Marcus takes said man, a British slave named Esca (Jamie Bell) under his wing & sets out into the vast landscapes of northern Britain; hoping to cross the dangerous Hadrian's Wall. Can Marcus & Esca get along? Does Esca have a personal link to the Eagle, himself? What happens if and/or when the duo confronts the savage tribe (spoken about above)? Can they trick & overcome the Seal Prince (Tahar Rahim, so good in last year's A Prophet), leader of the savage warrior tribe? Can Marcus attain the Eagle & restore his noble father's reputation? Elements of loyalty, betrayal, friendship, & deceit ensue.
'The Eagle' is a standard period actioner that gets better as it goes along. That's damning it with faint praise; but praise nevertheless. Let's talk about some of the film's strengths. Firstly, I really, really liked the cinematography. The way in which the camera captures the wilderness (in particular) is really, really beautiful. Scotland is a lush & foggy country. But the cinematography just made it look like an almost other-worldly place. I also liked the male bonding aspect of the film. Channing Tatum is a wooden actor; who occasionally summons some startling emotion to make you think that there IS talent in there somewhere. I almost wish this film had a more charismatic lead. Jamie Bell is always a welcomed inclusion to any film. And I liked the relationship these guys develop as the movie proceeds.
There's nothing deep about 'The Eagle'. It lacks some narrative energy (needed more of a sense of adventure). I didn't care for some of the anachronistic dialogue (sure didn't sound like people talking in the 2nd century), or Tatum's strained attempts at having an accent. And there are a few too many elements borrowed from said Gladiator, or even a 300, or an Apocalypto (especially with that scary-ass hellion tribe). But overall, 'The Eagle' is diverting enough; especially as the duo travel north towards the savage tribe (who all look awesome in their bones, mohawks, & creepy grey/blue make-up). I'll give this film a small pass because it tells a standard tale of redemption with enough moments of flair & intelligence to grasp onto your interest. Maybe.