A Wonderful Surprise!

Rating: 9/10 (6 July 2020)

What an amazing little movie! Full of great feeling and wonderful songs. One might argue that it has no deep social or psychological statement, but I think one would be wrong. It has a wonderful, sweet story-line, which leaves you with hope and love in your heart. The music and costumes and Eurovision presentations are very enjoyable.
Will Ferrell and Rachel McAdams have great chemistry and really play well off each other. They are both very touching in their roles.
I was very surprised to see Pierce Brosnan cast as Lars' (Will Farrell) father and tagged as the "handsomest man in Iceland". For my money, he is the handsomest man in the world! But who would have expected to see him in a Will Ferrell movie, right?
And then there is Dan Stevens! Wow! I had to do a double take (actually, a few double takes) because he looked so familiar. Then I finally figured out that he was "that guy from Downton Abbey - the one whose character died in a car crash at the end of season 2"...! But geez! He is slimmer and much more buff in this movie and his role is 180 degrees away from his Downton Abbey role. And he looks 10 years younger than he did in Downton Abbey. And his last appearance there was 12 years ago! So, major shocker on that count! I love the role he plays in this movie - a young, very hip, pretty gay, popular Russian pop-star, who is not quite out of the closet yet, He puts on a great show and his whole story-line is just delicious!
I highly recommend this sweet, funny, heart-warming movie! Well done, Will Ferrell! This man knows how to dream!