Directed by:
David DobkinCinematography:
Danny CohenComposer:
Atli ÖrvarssonCast:
Will Ferrell, Rachel McAdams, Mikael Persbrandt, Pierce Brosnan, Dan Stevens, Ólafur Darri Ólafsson, Melissanthi Mahut, Joi Johannsson (more)VOD (1)
Plots(1)
Two small-town singers chase their pop star dreams at a global music competition, where high stakes, scheming rivals and onstage mishaps test their bond. (Netflix)
Videos (1)
Reviews (9)
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.
()
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.
()
I love watching Eurovision, so I was quite looking forward to this comedy. After watching it, however, I am a little disappointed. Some of the situations made me laugh, but the wacky humor, sometimes bordering on awkwardness, is too much for my taste. I wish there had been more musical performances, as a few of them were really good. (60%)
()
I had no idea about this movie, but thanks to Pam Rabbit’s interview, this registered and I definitely didn't expect it to be such a great piece. Will Ferrell is a favourite of mine, the perfect Rachel McAdams isn't lost here either and if someone had told me that a bland family comedy like this would be so great, I wouldn't have believed it. The theme alone, with Iceland sending its most miserable duo to Eurovision after all the other "better" contestants die in a boat explosion, is excellent. Ferrel and McAdams are the perfect duo, their chemistry is enjoyable and watching two Icelandic rednecks is just phenomenal. We get countless scenes with TERRIBLE humour, pretty much the way Ferrel likes it (the elves are a total top!!) and the film simply entertains. The perfect cherry on the cake is the finale, which manages to caress the soul and made me inwardly cheer as well, and that's a definite achievement for such a flick. Personally, I'm a bit disappointed that the middle third takes the foot off the gas a bit on the entertainment and goes down a rather dramatic route, but this is rectified at the end and until the performance in the finale, it is once again perfect. Objectively a 3*, but I have to add a star here as Ferrel is a god and the fact he pushed his script with totally wacky humour, pulled Rachel into it and made such an enjoyable family trendy comedy just deserves a round of applause.
()
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.
()
Ads