Tatum fails to soar in 'The Eagle'

In a post-Michael Bay world of huge explosions, gory fight scenes and plot lines that almost always include world salvation, "The Eagle" is a nice change of pace. The film, based on a 1954 book by Rosemary Sutcliff "The Eagle of the Ninth" centers around roman Centurion Marcus Flavius Aquila (Channing Tatum). Marcus' father led the Ninth Roman Legion, stationed in Britain, but the Ninth was lost when it marched into the wilds bast Hadrian's wall to the shame of the Aquila family. Following a war injury, Marcus pledges to return north of the wall to find the remnants of the Legion and return the Legion's standard, a golden eagle, to Roman possession. Marcus enters this dangerous territory with only his faithful slave Esca (Jamie Bell), a Briton who owes Marcus his life.

Marcus and Esca travel far north and discover the Eagle in the possession of a fearsome tribe. Following a religious ceremony, Marcus and Esca steal the eagle and race south, chased by Briton warriors. Esca has to leave Marcus behind, who is slowed by an old war wound, but returns with former members of the lost legion who had escaped the legion's demise and had created new lives as Britons. Following a battle between the lost legion and the Britons, Marcus and Esca return to Roman territory, where they return the eagle to Roman hands and restore the honor of Marcus' family.

"The Eagle" had quite a few shortcomings. Tatum's lack of acting ability was painfully obvious throughout the film, although his strong supporting cast somewhat made up for it, particularly Bell. The story itself is not inherently that complicated- they basically run up North and then run back. There was not a lot of character development and the story was obviously historically inaccurate.

That being said, "The Eagle" was refreshing in the fact that it didn't try to do too much. Instead of utilizing an increasingly complicated plot line that has become more and more popular in Hollywood films, "The Eagle" focused on the friendship between Marcus and Esca and promoted courage, honor, faithfulness and respect.  The scenery was gorgeous and the viewer had no issue feeling immersed in second century Britain.

"The Eagle" was not unique and it lacked certain key elements, but it was entertaining, refreshing and worth a watch.

3 out of 5 stars