Eurovision Song Contest: the Story of Fire Saga

Will Ferrell and Rachel McAdams star here as an Icelandic no-hoper singing duo who fluke their way into representing their nation at the Eurovision Song Contest in Edinburgh after a tragedy wipes out their fellow competitors. But the pair's hopes for success are put in jeopardy by a disapproving dad (Pierce Brosnan) and some on-stage mishaps, while their personal relationship is complicated by the fact that they may actually be brother and sister. Although co-written by Ferrell and directed by another American, David Dobkin (Wedding Crashers), a very British mocking affection for Eurovision runs through this good-natured romp, which features cameos from past winners Netta and Conchita Wurst, and teasing commentary courtesy of Graham Norton. As the deluded dreamer and his besotted partner, Ferrell and McAdams spark off each other nicely, but it's Dan Stevens's smarmy Russian rival who bags the biggest laughs, not least with his cheesy and all-too-plausible anthem Lion of Love. Just like the real song contest, it's all a bit silly, goes on far too long and is predictable to a fault. But there's also no denying its warmth, energy and quirkiness, which makes it simply great fun to watch.