Burnham-On-Sea film enthusiast Molly Harding, who was last year nominated for the national award ‘Young Film Critic of the Year’, reviews the latest crop of films showing at Burnham’s Ritz Cinema in Victoria Street this week…
The Eagle (12A)
Channing Tatum swaps his dance shoes for sandals as he plays Marcus Aquila, a Roman soldier who sets out with his slave Esca to find the golden ‘Eagle’ and restore his family’s honour, after his father led the Ninth legion to a humiliating defeat.
The film gets off to, if I may be so blunt, a dull start. But then everyone starts fighting and a Roman soldier gets decapitated and it all picks up from there!
The Eagle seemed slightly directionless on a couple of occasions; I didn’t really know what was going to come of it and began to lose interest. The plot jumped around wavered from the actual matter in hand but, within minutes of me thinking this, it got back on dusty Roman paths and roamed the Highland countryside. Which brings me to say that the cinematography was excellent and made up for any plot holes.
Both leads were charismatic, in particular young British actor’s Jamie Bell, who plays slave Esca. In Roman times such a relationship between soldier and slave would be unheard of but instead of being cheesy it’s refreshing and realistic. The Eagle gives a harsh insight into the brutal reality of the Roman era.
Grim, but good – 4/5
Note from Molly: I wouldn’t normally do this but I will make an exception. From the 8th April, a British film called Submarine is showing at The Ritz. I have seen it and I thought it was brilliant. It’s not to be missed and has received much critical acclaim. It’s a funny, sweet and occasionally moving insight into the pressures of being a teenager, it really is a great film for everyone. I will say no more! My review will be upon its release.
Read more of Molly’s regular film reviews on Burnham-On-Sea.com
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