Aside from the gorgeous cinematography, the few reasonably well-orchestrated action sequences aren't enough to compensate for the story's shortcomings.
On the plus side, The Eagle is a frequently engrossing, old-fashioned adventure story that will please older children. But without the operatic, visceral feel of Zack Snyder’s 300, The Eagle isn’t likely to fly much higher than last year’s already forgotten Centurion.
Good fight scenes, but a confusion of plot, culture and accents make this a lesser example of the sword ’n’ sandal epic.
More mud and rain than blood and brains, this is an intriguing, enjoyable adventure dressed up as a Roman epic. Vivid cinematography and bromance between Channing and Jamie keep it standing strong.
The Eagle is another uninspiring plod, a thrash of swordplay and dutiful battles which feels less like an epic story to resonate across the centuries, and more like a crib from a 12-year-old's history project.
More than half an hour passes before the two set off. By that time, the Romans could have built the M25 three times over.
Handsome period epic with sloppy plotting.
Takes flight, but doesn't soar.
If you focus on its journey and not its ill-won spoils, The Eagle offers many pleasures.
The Eagle continually intrigues and absorbs without ever setting the pulse to race.
The movie runs out of narrative steam a little in its third act, and becomes a faintly ridiculous bromance. But its robust form stands up well, with elements of Ridley Scott's Gladiator and Michael Mann's The Last of the Mohicans.
Take Braveheart, Gladiator and Apocalypto, leave them to simmer in a iron-age pot ... and you've got The Eagle.
The story, though, isn't as impressive as the world Macdonald has created.
With a promising idea and a director who can do great things, it's disappointing that interference and delays made this heather-and-sandals epic into a slow-cooked turkey.
A most enjoyable film.
It should be fraught with tension and ambiguity but never sparks to life.
Jamie Bell's Eagle research
Interview: Kevin Macdonald, director, and Duncan Kenworthy, producer
'We've been calling it Brokeback Eagle'
Interview: Kevin Macdonald, the director on his new film The Eagle
Five historical clangers in Kevin Macdonald's The Eagle
The Eagle: Romans who loved the gloamin'
Kevin Macdonald: 'I didn't understand Hollywood'
Rome recast for today as Eagle of the Ninth is adapted for big screen
The Eagle star Channing Tatum is not just a pretty face
Friends, Romans...: The Eagle set visit
The Eagle of the Ninth author Rosemary Sutcliff
Kevin MacDonald profile
The Eagle bears the standard Scottish stereotype
General release. Check local listings for show times.