Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga

[StevePulaski]

Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga (2020)
Directed by: David Dobkin

Will Ferrell and Rachel McAdams in Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga.

Rating: ★★½

In lieu of Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga's release, I decided to peruse Will Ferrell's filmography, specifically over the last decade. For as much flack as the masses give Adam Sandler, I'd say Ferrell has less to show over the last ten years than Sandler, despite more than enough lousy Netflix movies to enable a masochistic marathon. Ferrell's last several years have included some of the worst of his career (Get Hard, Holmes & Watson), dour sequels (Daddy's Home 2, Zoolander 2), and other middling comedies (Anchorman 2, Casa de mi padre, The House) that came, went, and left little impact. Ferrell's last comedic hit, I'd argue, was The Other Guys, which came shortly before Everything Must Go, a career highlight for him — both in 2010.

We're long overdue for at least a decent Will Ferrell comedy, and I'm happy to report Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga is both a mostly satisfying film and Ferrell's best in eons. From its fixation on spectacle, flamboyant costumes, and model hairstyles, it has a lot in common with Blades of Glory, and upholds my belief that when there's a concept at play, Ferrell's strengths get an opportunity to shine.

Plus after months of being stuck inside, subjected to several passionless pictures dropped on Netflix only to be forgotten promptly after their release, it's admittedly reassuring to see a comedy with an idea in its mind, even if it does take that idea and stretch it far past its expiration.

The film is one big parody/showcase of Eurovision Song Contest, the massively popular international star-search that combines pop-ballads with theatrical productions and flashy costumes. Despite producing stars in the form of Abba and Celine Dion, the show never caught on in America. It opens with a flashback to 1974 Iceland, where a young Lars Erickssong is captivated when he sees Abba perform on the eminently popular program. He starts to break out in dance, as does his friend, Sigrit, much to the chagrin of his father (a bearded and scowling Pierce Brosnan), only made more apathetic when Lars claims he'll one day perform on Eurovision and make people pay for scoffing at his dance-moves.

Cut to the present, where Lars (Ferrell) and Sigrit (Rachel McAdams) are still completely dialed into their dreams of performing on the show. They cut their teeth on performing at local taverns, but all the patrons want to hear is their anthemic chant-song "Ja Ja Ding Dong," which is a thinly veiled song about erections and ejaculation, as addicting as it is. It comes as no surprise, however, that Lars and Sigrit get their chance to be on the show after an explosion at sea conveniently kills every other contender to represent Iceland at Eurovision. Overjoyed, Lars and Sigrit — whose band is known as "Fire Saga" — set off to Glasgow for their shot(s) at stardom.

What sells the goofy material from the jump is the enthusiasm displayed by the leads, particularly McAdams, who anchors much of the film with her scene-stealing deadpan or impeccable ability to deliver a line regardless of how silly or superfluous it may be. She, too, works well alongside Dan Stevens, who plays a singer representing Russia with an unmistakable crush on Lars' singing partner, who, in time, appears to be more on track to making it big. Ferrell thrusts himself into the power pop ballads and clearly enjoys chewing the Icelandic scenery as well. Greatly buoying the film is its inclusion of memorable songs, such as Fire Saga's signature song "Volcano Man" or the cast's "Song-A-Long" mashup, which includes snippets of everything from Cher's "Believe" to The Black Eyed Peas "I Gotta Feeling."

Even at its most ponderous, Eurovison Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga is galvanized by a litany of infectious pop numbers and yet another tremendous performance from Rachel McAdams, who is so underrated for her comic abilities. That being said, the enemy at play here comes in the form of inconsistent jokes and a premise not designed to sustain what is a far, far too long movie. At a time when we could use another Anchorman or Talladega Nights-esque comedy — both for escapism and resonating satire — Eurovision, I suppose, will suffice, if only like most Netflix releases, for a fleeting moment.

NOTE: Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga is now streaming on Netflix.

Starring: Will Ferrell, Rachel McAdams, Dan Stevens, Pierce Brosnan, and Demi Lovato. Directed by: David Dobkin.