Review of film: “THE EAGLE”

2011, 02-16:

Review of film:  “THE EAGLE” 

Family problems can drag you down--  if not emotionally, then reputation-wise… 

…  That’s what’s afflicting Marcus Aquila (BENCE GERÖ as a young boy, & then CHANNING TATUM as a grown man).  His father Flavius (ALADÁR LAKLÓTH) had been commander of the Roman Ninth Legion in 120 AD when the whole group disappeared in the Caledonian Highlands of Scotland… 

…  Because of that loss of 5000 people, Emperor Hadrian had a WALL built (in his name) across Britain, to “WALL-OFF” the “savage” northern areas from the Roman-controlled southern one…

…  It’s now twenty years after the disappearance, & Channing (now a Centurion) is sent from Rome (per his request) to try to track down the mystery of what happened to the Legion.  He’d love to  repair his father’s reputation -- which (naturally) faded when his force suddenly vanished --  & possibly even retrieve the Eagle…

…  He works with his military assistant Lutorius (DENIS O’HARE) to fortify a poorly-kept-up Roman fort, & is injured in an attack by some of the angry locals…  He then travels south to visit his Uncle Aquila (DONALD SUTHERLAND), & saves the life of a local slave named Esca (JAMIE BELL), who then becomes his PERSONAL slave…

…  With Jamie (who knows the land & speaks the native tongue), Channing ventures into the uncontrolled NORTHERN area beyond Hadrian’s Wall, hoping to find what really HAPPENED to the missing Legion & with any luck find its golden Eagle emblem (which’d help his family’s status)…

…  It’s a DIFFICULT journey amongst the unconquered people, & he has to let Jamie act like HE’s the owner of him--  thus learning how it feels to be a “SLAVE” himself, & how the native people consider the ROMANS to be the “savages”…  In time, Jamie is able to find someone with knowledge about the Legion, & that leads to MORE discoveries that might help Channing…

…  Will anyone be able to truly clarify what happened to the Legion in general & his father in particular?...  Will Jamie be able to save Channing from the unfriendly actions of Cradoc (DOUGLAS HENSHALL)?...  Will any remnant of the golden EAGLE be found (&, if so, what will that “do” to the story & Channing’s life)?...

…  I tend to LIKE historical dramas.  I’ve heard a number of complaints recently about the work of Channing, saying he’s overly “stiff” as an actor & the like.  In this film, he’s supposed to be a strong & “tough” person, & that’s “EASY” for him to do here…

…  However, he’s supposed to be a well-educated Roman, and, at times, his “demeanor” (especially the way he talks) does not “LEND” itself to his fully coming “across” that way (outside of the “military” side)…

…  If he’d spoken with a more “distinct” tone (more precise and “careful” with his speaking rather than sort of “mumbling” at times), I think he would have been more “EFFECTIVE” in the role.  In other words, it’s not “bad”, but it could’ve been a good deal BETTER in my opinion…  The OTHER actors (Jamie, Donald, etc.) are valuable in their roles…

…  The ACTION (battle & chase) scenes are basically well-filmed & interesting, as are the numerous “tribal” proceedings… Thus, all things considered, I’m going to give this 7 out of 10 stars…

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