The Eagle (2011)

I will admit that I quite enjoyed this reversioning of Rosemary Sutcliff's book "The Eagle of the Ninth". Channing Tatum takes on the role of "Marcus Aquila" - son of one of the cohort commanders of the famous 9th legion that vanished in the highlands of modern-day Scotland sometime in the 2nd Century AD. Determined to restore the honour of his father, he and his slave "Esca" (Jamie Bell) set off to locate the Eagle - the golden symbol of the Roman people that was carried before the legion. This is quite a fast moving little adventure film with an interesting score from Atli Örvarsson to accompany their travails through hostile territory in search of their trophy. There is a chemistry between the two stars and some beautiful outdoor photography. Tahar Rahim is good as the grittily determined and ruthless prince of the Seal people and Ned Dennehy also stands out, albeit for only few scenes, as his slightly deranged father. Mark Strong also appears a few times too, sporting a completely unnecessary American accent! Passes the time enjoyably.