It is pleasing that filmmakers such as Kevin Macdonald are doing their part to keep the "sword and sandals" action-adventure genre alive. While not really a truly *great* film, "The Eagle" is a solid example of this kind of storytelling, with eye-popping scenery (in Hungary and Scotland), excellent production and costume design, and a tale with some real grit, poignancy, and atmosphere going for it.
American actor Channing Tatum stars as a decorated Roman soldier named Marcus, wounded in battle as the Romans move to conquer Britain in the 2nd century. He decides to take on the near-impossible task of venturing "North of the Wall" to enemy territory, to retrieve the title talisman and restore honour to his family name. Accompanying him is Esca (Jamie Bell), a British slave who has some pointed things to say about the way that the Romans have conducted themselves. But Esca is grateful that Marcus decided to spare his life, and proves himself to be very useful and very loyal.
Scripted by Jeremy Brock, based on a novel by Rosemary Sutcliff, "The Eagle" features decently executed action and chase scenes, although it might not possess enough violence for some tastes. (Making it a good thing that there's an unrated version.) It contains some effective plot developments, such as the fact that Marcus and Esca switch roles when the latter comes across "Seal People" who would not take kindly to a Roman character such as Marcus. And these "Seal People" are a definitely interesting, primal bunch who exclusively speak Gaelic.
The acting from the mostly European cast is right on the money. Tatum certainly has the physicality required for his role, but he can't help but come up short when you compare him to better actors like Bell. The moment that Esca is properly introduced into the plot is really when the film comes alive. Donald Sutherland is endearing as Marcus' uncle, and there are meaty roles for performers such as Mark Strong, Denis O'Hare, Dakin Matthews, Tahar Rahim, and Ned Dennehy.
Although it clocks in at a little shy of two hours, "The Eagle" doesn't dawdle, giving us one good scene after another, and ending in a most satisfactory manner. The wonderful traditional soundtrack by Atli Orvarsson is just icing on the cake.
Seven out of 10.
American actor Channing Tatum stars as a decorated Roman soldier named Marcus, wounded in battle as the Romans move to conquer Britain in the 2nd century. He decides to take on the near-impossible task of venturing "North of the Wall" to enemy territory, to retrieve the title talisman and restore honour to his family name. Accompanying him is Esca (Jamie Bell), a British slave who has some pointed things to say about the way that the Romans have conducted themselves. But Esca is grateful that Marcus decided to spare his life, and proves himself to be very useful and very loyal.
Scripted by Jeremy Brock, based on a novel by Rosemary Sutcliff, "The Eagle" features decently executed action and chase scenes, although it might not possess enough violence for some tastes. (Making it a good thing that there's an unrated version.) It contains some effective plot developments, such as the fact that Marcus and Esca switch roles when the latter comes across "Seal People" who would not take kindly to a Roman character such as Marcus. And these "Seal People" are a definitely interesting, primal bunch who exclusively speak Gaelic.
The acting from the mostly European cast is right on the money. Tatum certainly has the physicality required for his role, but he can't help but come up short when you compare him to better actors like Bell. The moment that Esca is properly introduced into the plot is really when the film comes alive. Donald Sutherland is endearing as Marcus' uncle, and there are meaty roles for performers such as Mark Strong, Denis O'Hare, Dakin Matthews, Tahar Rahim, and Ned Dennehy.
Although it clocks in at a little shy of two hours, "The Eagle" doesn't dawdle, giving us one good scene after another, and ending in a most satisfactory manner. The wonderful traditional soundtrack by Atli Orvarsson is just icing on the cake.
Seven out of 10.