Soar Like A Champion With “Eddie the Eagle”

Release Date: February 26, 2016

Running Time: 1 hour 45 minutes

Directed by: Dexter Fletcher

Rated PG-13 for some suggestive material, partial nudity and smoking

Grade A

“You do realize the time to start jumping is when you’re 5 or 6”

The new film details the inspiring exploits of Michael Edwards, better known as Eddie the Eagle the most famous ski jumper in British history The film’s portrayal of Edwards’ never-say-die approach to the sport, celebrates the human spirit and resilience in the face of extraordinary odds and challenges. Taron Egerton, who made his feature film starring debut in Kingsman: The Secret Service, portrays Eddie the Eagle, and Hugh Jackman plays a ski jumping expert from Lake Placid who helps Eddie train for the Calgary Olympics.

For as long as Michael “Eddie” Edwards could remember, his ambition was to be in the Olympics. He tried several sports as he grew up, but always was excluded from team based athletics due to his unintentional goofiness before he could even prove himself. As a teenager, he did find success in downhill skiing, yet when it came time to qualify for the British Olympic Skiing Team, the officials were determined that he would not become part of the British team. Therefore, Eddie decided to pursue ski jumping since Britain did not have a ski jumping team at the time. All he had to do was complete one 40 kilometer jump to qualify for the 1988 Calgary Olympics. Eddie found refuge at a lodge and is taken in by its keeper. He attempts to learn how to ski jump on his own with disastrous results. A former Olympic ski jumper, Bronson Perry, sees Eddie’s attempts and warns him to quit while he can still walk. As time goes by, Perry realizes that Eddie is not going to quit and decides to help Eddie realize his dream. In a world that doesn’t want to know Eddie Edwards, his spirit helps him fly and prove people wrong.

“You got more spirit than any of those other jumpers out there”

20^th Century Fox’s Eddie the Eagle is packed full of drama, humor, good music, and wonderful scenery but most of all it has more spirit than any movie that I’ve seen in awhile. This film is not just your average ‘feel good movie’. I found myself smiling almost constantly during the 105 minute run time. Taron Egerton was hands down the perfect choice for the main character whose amazing transformation from previous roles made him almost unrecognizable. Hugh Jackman’s intense passion for acting and for this role, in particular, shows in every scene that he is in. The ‘cherry on top’ is the small but memorable role played by Christopher Walken. Based on a true story, the screenwriters captured the essence of the Eddie Edwards struggle to overcome all odds in order to fulfill his dream. As the father of modern Olympics stated, “The important thing in the Olympic Games is not to win, but to take part; the important thing in life is not triumph, but the struggle; the essential thing is not to have conquered but to have fought well.” This film is a good example of all three. Fly into the theater to see this one! ~Movie Buffette

Eddie the Eagle soars into cinemas in February and I highly recommend you go see it. It will warm your heart and inspire you.  The film, based on a true story, exceeded my expectation with solid performances by Taron Egerton (The Kingsman) and Golden Globe winner Hugh Jackman. Once in a while a film comes along that makes you want to tell everyone how good it was – Eddie the Eagle is that film. I only wish the Winter Olympics were this year for marketing purposes.  Director Fletcher captures the dangers associated with ski jumping in a few harrowing scenes. The cinematography is excellent and you actually feel what it is like to take the jumps.

Eddie the Eagle is about not giving up and triumphing against all odds.  It is about being bullied, but not letting it bring you down.  It is about realizing your dreams and doing everything you can to bring them to fruition. I left the theater thinking that if Eddie could do that with all the challenges and roadblocks, then I could do anything. ~A.S. MacLeod

Starring:

Taron Egerton as Eddie Edwards

Hugh Jackman as Bronson Perry

Jo Hartley as Janette Edwards

Keith Allen as Mr. Edwards

Edvin Endre as Matti Nykanen

Rune Temte as Bjorn Norwegian Coach

and Christopher Walken as Warren Sharp