Inspired by true events, Eddie the Eagle is the heartwarming story about Michael “Eddie” Edwards, a British ski-jumper who dared to dream—even when no one believed in him.
As a child, Eddie (played by Taron Egerton) struggled with leg and knee issues. He was never the most gifted athlete but had the heart of a champion. His dream was always to be an Olympian. When he’s cut from the Olympic ski team, Eddie travels to Germany to test his skills as a ski-jumper. There he meets Bronson Peary (played by Hugh Jackman), a former ski-jumper who now works as a snowplow driver. Bronson agrees to teach Eddie how to land in order to qualify for the British team and to get rid of him. After Eddie successfully lands, he receives a letter from the British Olympic Association. He mistakenly believes it is his invitation to represent the country. When Eddie meets with the committee, he’s informed the requirements have changed. He’s now required to land at least 61 meters to qualify. Eddie decides to return to Germany where he trains with Bronson in the hopes of fulfilling his childhood dreams.
Eddie the Eagle is a feel-good film and it doesn’t shy away from that. Is it groundbreaking? No. Will it warm your heart? Absolutely. There are plenty of moments where you’ll be laughing-out-loud and times when you’ll be fighting back tears—particularly scenes that involve Eddie and his mom.
And, I know what you may be thinking, I’ve seen the entire plot in the trailer! But, rest assured, it’s the performance by Taron Egerton that makes this one of sport’s best biopics. Taron Egerton does a complete 360 from his last role, which is what attracted the young actor to this project. He soars as Eddie, bringing the underdog’s cheeky persona to the silver screen. You can’t help but fall in love with the actor and the man he’s portraying!
Another highlight of the film is its score and on-screen font treatment. It effortlessly transports audiences back to the ’80s. The score plays a vital role in the film, similar to the role the soundtrack played in Guardians of the Galaxy.
Eddie the Eagle is currently playing in theaters nationwide. And, it’s one I would see again.
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