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TV show review: CONTINUUM season 4
PHOTOGRAPHY

THE EAGLE
Movie review by David Blackwell

114 minutes, rated PG-13
ASPECT RATIO:  2.35:1
STUDIO:  Focus Features/ Film 4
Theatrical RELEASE DATE:  2-11-2011

STARRING Channing Tatum (Marcus Aquila), Jamie Bell (Esca), Donald Sutherland (Uncle Aquila)
WRITTEN by Jeremy Block (based on the novel by Rosemary Sutcliff)
DIRECTED by Kevin McDonald

THE EAGLE is a decent movie only to be hindered by fight scenes that suffer from editing and directorial choices that I don’t agree with (many times the cuts are too quick cut and close-in while you try to keep track of who is fighting whom).   The landscapes used for the film are breathtaking while both sides of the conflict (Romans and Britons) come out as human.   THE EAGLE is another movie focusing on the story of the missing Ninth Legion of the Roman Empire that disappeared without a trace in Great Britan around 120 AD.   This movie follows new commander Marcus Aquila who wants to restore his family’s honor because his father was the bearer of the Eagle and that was lost with the Ninth Legion.  A chain of events leads Marcus on a quest to find the Eagle with his slave Esca.

THE EAGLE focuses around honor and the pain that the Roman Empire has inflicted upon the Britons.  Esca feels honor bound to serve Marcus because Marcus helped spare Esca’s life while Marcus feels bringing back the Eagle will restore family honor.   The tribes of Great Britain attack because of the crimes done to them by the Roman soldiers and yet they have become as bad as the soldiers they fight and kill.   THE EAGLE is a journey movie for two people who might not become friends otherwise (and bound by honor).   THE EAGLE is one of the better films to come out this time of year.

 This movie review is ©2-18-2011 David Blackwell and cannot be reprinted without permission.  Send all comments to feedback@enterline-media.com