Cravenly exploitative and sporting a bad title, The Eagle mostly lays an egg. While it’s kinda worth watching for hard-bitten war movie guys, slumming history buffs should steer clear. As one of those stories that starts where the legend leaves off, the history is tripe. Fortunately the production values are great, notwithstanding the near comik violence.
Is it better than Centurion, the other Lost 9th Legion exploit-a-thon? I suppose so, but both are just OK.
Channing Tatum looks the handsome action star, complete with light-heavyweight physique and square-jaw fortitude. Savvy or self-awareness? Not so much.
Jamie Bell, playing a British slave who turns on his own people following a cheesy incident in the gladiator’s ring, jumps through the forest but never jumps off the screen.
Donald Sutherland slums portentously as a refined Roman muckymuck.
Mark Strong sighting, here a lost Legionnaire awaiting orders.
Great visuals are the bonus here. The direction, play and music kinda suck.
Extensive bouts of violence, yet hardly any blood. Most of the sword work occurs off camera, conveyed through sound and fury, signifying voyeuristic crap.