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The story of Eddie Edwards, the notoriously tenacious British underdog ski jumper who charmed the world at the 1988 Winter Olympics.
I’m always impressed when a movie can make me genuinely care deeply about a subject I had no interest or no knowledge about previously. This was my experience seeing “Eddie the Eagle.”
Strap on your skis and get ready to fly. “Eddie the Eagle” is a heartwarming story that will clutch your heart from the first second of the movie, and keep you on the edge of your seat, ready to jump until the end. It stars Taron Egerton as Eddie Edwards, a boy with a dream of being in the Olympics. No matter how many times he’s told he can’t, either by people or his physical disabilities, he doesn’t let anything or anyone stop him. However, as he embarks upon the sky-high slope, he only slides down in disgrace. A washed up, former Olympian ski-jumper, Bronson Peary (Hugh Jackman), spots his talent and takes him under his wing to help him soar.
We see Eddie struggle, tumble and fall, only to roll right back into his dream with the same motivation and drive to keep going. This story is powerful for all audience members, because as the founder of the Olympics is quoted in the movie, “it’s not the triumph, but the struggle,” and struggle is something we know all too well. Taron Egerton gives a charming performance of Eddie Edwards. He’s so realistic, relatable, and spot-on to the characteristics of the real-life Edwards that we feel as though we are strapped onto the back of his skis, flying into his dreams full force. Hugh Jackman, who never really seems to age, gives a wonderful supporting performance as Bronson Peary, who has lost motivation and drive for life and meets Eddie just at the right time.
The world of the 1970s and ’80s is beautifully portrayed in the film, with the right music, scenery, style, and flair that transports us back to a different era, even if we’ve never really been there before (like me). Additionally, the camera work is so exhilarating it really makes us feel the thrill of being launched off the slope, flying into the cold wind and landing with a thud on the slope below us.
“Eddie the Eagle” isn’t your typical inspirational sports movie. It takes an old concept and gives it an original flair, a new excitement that will continually surprise you and keep you on the edge of your seat. It’s got a character you can relate with and love, a supporting cast that will keep you smiling, and a story that will warm your heart and launch your forward. It’s got that kind of power.
In theaters February 26th
