A longstanding (since the late 1960s) love/hate relationship with the Eurovision Song Contest certainly prepared me for this particular feature! Although director David Dobkin focuses on the more entertaining presentation of recent years. The result is tacky, corny, nonsense, fun, stupid, silly, derivative, political – but presented with immense heart and with Iceland at its core.
Dastardly deeds see the derided pop duo Fire Saga represent the country in Edinburgh. It’s been the lifelong dream of both Will Ferrell and Rachel McAdams ever since they saw ABBA win the competition for Sweden. But the film evolves more into a tacky rom-com as the I’m not gay Russian competitor Dan Stevens creates a wedge between the singing duo.
A great deal more miss than hit (although there’s a couple of catchy tunes in there – watch out for Sweden’s entry!) with silliness replacing satire. And there’s the rub – the Eurovision itself usually offers more fun and weirdness.
Nominated for best original song Oscar in 2021.
Rating: 42%
Director: David Dobkin (The Judge, Fred Claus)
Writer: Will Ferrell (Anchorman, Talladega Nights), Harper Steele (TV’s Saturday Night Live, Funny or Die Presents...)
Main cast: Will Ferrell (Anchorman, Downhill), Rachel McAdams (Sherlock Holmes, Spotlight), Dan Stevens (Marshall, TV’s Downton Abbey)
An Opinion or Two 