In a cinematic return to the days of gladiators and chariots, “The Eagle” is an epic historical adventure set in second century Britain. Centurion Marcus Aquila (a sturdy Channing Tatum) is a Roman soldier seeking the answer to the unexplained vanishing years before of the Ninth Legion led by his father, and he wants to absolve him of blame for their disappearance. It’s also a search for the Legion’s crest; a golden insignia of an eagle. Marcus is accompanied on a Caledonia trek by a British slave, Esca (a stalwart, buff, Jamie Bell), whose life he saves. Not a conventional buddy movie for the era, the interplay of the master and his lackey is compelling. The substantial action, violence and bloodshed include a rousing encounter between Marcus and the Seal Prince (Tahar Rahim).
Director Kevin Macdonald has crafted an entertaining drama based on Rosemary Sutcliff’s 1950’s teen novel, “The Eagle of the Ninth”. Unfortunately, Channing Tatum’s emotionless delivery of dialogue lacks authority and believability. Jamie Bell is far more credible in the role of the surreptitious slave. The supporting cast also includes Donald Sutherland and Mark Strong.
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