Netflix's Eurovision: the Story of Fire Saga has camp as Christmas pop songs, sprinkled with extra cheese and biting commentary (from TV's Graham Norton), so just like the real Eurovision then, but who would have thought it would be so endearing?
Much of this is down to an adorable Rachel McAdams as Icelander, Sigrit Ericksdóttir, giving a performance far better than the film likely deserves. Will Ferrell is very good as middle-aged, Lars Erickssong, who dreams of winning the contest, much to his father's chagrin. [Father, a charismatic Pierce Brosnan.]
The songs are well written (Sigrit's ballad in particular) and there's a fun musical montage (featuring past contestants), but the often bizarre (overly silly) humour is very hit and miss.
Dan Stevens is excellent as Alexander Lemtov, a flamboyant singer representing Russia.
"Play Jaja Ding Dong!" No. "Play it!"
Overall, this is good fun.
FG FG FG F
DIRECTED BY: David Dobkin. SCREENPLAY BY: Will Ferrell, Harper Steele. RUNNING TIME: 123 minutes. CERTIFICATE: 12 / PG-13. USA.
