Will Ferrell fans, look alive because the comedic actor’s latest project Eurovision Song Contest has dropped on Netflix over the weekend.
If you’re not yet familiar with the film, allow me to give you a quick rundown. Eurovision Song Contest: The Story Of Fire Saga follows the story of Lars (Will Ferrell) and Sigrit (Rachel McAdams) – a couple of aspiring musicians who land the chance to compete in Eurovision despite having no fan base or real support.
Perhaps unsurprisingly, the film has kind of tanked with film critics. It has landed 58 per cent on Rotten Tomatoes, and the consensus seems to be that reviewers feel the comedy stretches far too long.
Jeannette Catsoulis of the New York Times wrote: “More tribute than parody, this over-egged farce whips slapstick and cheese into an authentic soufflé of tastelessness.”
While Adam Graham of Detroit News said: “If the movie had bigger laughs, it wouldn’t matter. As it stands, “Eurovision” feels like a run through of songs you’ve heard sung better before.”
Among audiences, however, the response is quite different. Viewers have given the flick 82 per cent on Rotten Tomatoes, calling it silly but fun.
Although the film may not be a front-runner for the next awards-season, it has managed to wrangle up quite a cast list. Alongside Ferrell and McAdams, you see appearances from Pierce Brosnan; Mikael Persbrandt; Graham Norton; Demi Lovato and Dan Stevens. As Vulture reports, there’s also a homage to ABBA in the form of some footage and a number of mentions.
That’s not where it ends, though. The Eurovision followers out there (and I know there are a few of you because Australia is randomly a huge market for the comp), will be happy to hear that a long list of performers from the show make cameos in the film, too.
Those would include:
Conchita Wurst (Austria), Netta (Israel), Salvador Sobral (Portugal), John Lundvik (Sweden), Anna Odobescu (Moldova), Bilal Hassani (France), Loreen (Sweden), Jessy Matador (France), Alexander Rybak (Norway), Jamala (Ukraine) and Elina Nechayeva (Estonia).
So, if you’re raring for some cheesy song writing and a little bit of ridiculous humour this weekend, perhaps pop this number on. Sounds like an odd but entertaining party.
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