Starring: Channing Tatum, Jamie Bell, Donald Sutherland
Plot: Roman centurion Marcus Aquila is posted to a savage land (aka England) where he saves slave Esca (Jamie Bell) from the gladiatorial arena. The pair join forces to head to an even more savage land (aka Scotland) to try to solve the mystery of the famous lost Ninth Legion and redeem the family name in process.
Representing a bit of an obstacle to solving the mystery of the legion that disappeared are some pretty revolting locals with a penchant for body painting and lopping intruders” body parts off. Cue a lot of sword on sword action.
TM Rating: Films featuring Romans have been in vogue for some time now. Barely a month passes when one centurion or another has unsheathed his sword to the delight of sword and sandal fans in the local multi-plex. This particular offering looks good and features stirring battles as well as some seemingly authentic scenes of life in a Roman legion. But Channing Tatum, amongst others, struggles with a convincing accent and Americans in Centurion garb are just a distraction from the action.
The fractious relationship between the lead characters doesn’t quite work and Britain’s north comes across as somewhat apocalyptic as opposed to the Tuscany-esque south. And as for the painted Picts ““ scary dudes for sure but look like offspring of Magua from Last of the Mohicans and a n”avi from Avatar.
The Eagle isn’t a bad movie, but it is a bit of a muddle and could and should have been a lot better.
6/10 ““ Fans of films about brave and noble Roman soldiers fighting against all the odds to establish the honour of the family name should enjoy the gritty fight scenes but The Eagle’s appeal is limited.
Screening Times: 10pm daily
Tickets: €6.50 Buy YourTickets Here
