The Eagle (Focus Features)
Its No Gladiator
The Eagle is another one of those movies about the Roman Army but without any pomp, spectacle or women. This film sticks to the basic plodding soldiers, brutal battles and cold weather type of depiction. Channing Tatum and Jamie Bell are the two stars and though they acquit themselves sufficiently in the acting/action department the film could use a better storyline and some deeper characterizations.
Tatum plays Marcus Aquila, a soldier who is also the son of a Commander of the Roman Army. His father led his troops into the northern area of Britain and was never heard from again. His entire command disappeared and the Eagle which marked his command was lost. This brought disgrace to the family and it is Marcus dream to restore his fathers good name.
Through a variety of adventures and actions Marcus gets the chance to head into the North of Britain, past Hadrians Wall, accompanied only by his slave Esca (Bell). In this new land he must completely rely on Escas loyalty which is not a certainty.
Bell was first noticed by audiences when he played the lead role in the film Billy Elliott. His acting credits are strong and he is recognized as a talented performer. Tatums strength has not always been his acting ability. He has been known for his dancing moves in Step Up and his hunky good looks in G I Joe and Dear John.
In this film Tatum doesnt embarrass himself and actually holds his own opposite Bell. His features are fairly Roman looking and his voice is low and forceful. He makes the audience believe he is Marcus Aquila.
The problem with the film is not the acting; it is the plodding nature of the script. Even with numerous action sequences involved the movie still seems to move at a snails pace. Plus the characters never totally come to life and draw the audience into the story.
The film is rated PG-13 for violence.
Denis OHare and Donald Sutherland are featured in the supporting cast but neither has much to do. The film is all about the characters played by Tatum and Bell. There are no women featured in the cast other than a few bit players who are seen from a distance.
This is one of those movies that could have been so much better. The potential is there but it never follows through to make it better entertainment. Tatum and Bell are fine as far as the acting goes but the story line just never takes off.
I scored The Eagle a feathered 5 out of 10.
