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Partners
OUR RATING
3/5 Stars
WHAT IT'S ABOUT:
Michael “Eddie” Edwards was an unlikely but courageous British ski-jumper who never stopped believing in himself, even as an entire nation was counting him out. With the help of a rebellious and charismatic coach, Eddie takes on the establishment and wins the hearts of sports fans around the world by making an improbable and historic showing at the 1988 Calgary Winter Olympics.
WHAT WE THOUGHT:
This biopic is not only about one of the most inspiring underdogs but is also a beautiful story told in a way that everyone needs to see!
If you don’t know the story of Eddie “The Eagle” Edwards, then you’re in for a treat.
Branded as one very unlucky underdog, Eddie (Taron Egerton) could very well just give up on his dreams and become a plasterer like his father, only there was one thing that separated him from the rest – he loved to prove people wrong.
With the Olympics on his mind, Eddie sets out to become a good enough ski-jumper to make it to the Winter Olympics and while every single thing that can go wrong pretty much does, Eddie proves that with a little faith, determination and massive balls it’s not as difficult as it looks... well sort of.
What makes Eddie The Eagle so much fun to watch is the created feeling of going on this crazy adventure with Eddie. Every obstacle he faces, every fall and every climb, there is not one moment that you aren’t rooting for him to make it, no matter how crazy he is.
Dexter Fletcher has managed to not only tell a story based on true events but also tell a separate story of every person facing some or other hardship while striving to reach their goals. There’s the saying ‘fall down seven times, get up eight’ that is something very easily forgotten and given up on and this film brings a humorous, fresh take on how to always keep getting up!
Taron Egerton, as good looking as he is, brought everything needed to portray Eddie. He is so successful in creating this cute, caring, determined, nerdy character that you can’t help but fall in love with and not because you pity him but because you see this fire burning inside him. A dream that he takes so seriously but has fun with because what’s the point of fighting so hard for something if you don’t enjoy it.
Fairly new to the scene and after the success of his starring role in Kingsmen: The Secret Service alongside Colin Firth, Taron has definitely proved his worth as an actor. And showed a tremendous respect towards the real Eddie.
His co-star, Hugh Jackman – who plays his rebellious and charismatic coach Bronson Peary – nailed his role. Tough on the outside, but a real softy on the inside. After eventually giving in to Eddie’s pleading Bronson agrees to coach him and while the process may be comical it is something that should not be taken lightly.
Props for the cinematography. The angles used to show the depth of heights ski-jumpers are faced with will instills good amount of anxiety that will make you hold your breath when taking the leap. Ski-jumping is no joke and the picture achieves showing the damage a fall can do.
The soundtrack of the film was also really good. Reason being the music paints a perfect picture of Eddie’s quirkiness and how comfortable he is with himself. The second is purely for the anticipation some of the sings used create, for Eddie as well as the audience. There is nothing more exciting than being given the feeling that you are sharing a vital moment with the character on a personal level and the sound contributes majorly to that.
Proving that an underdog should never be underestimated, Eddie won the hearts of fans at the 1988 Calgary Winter Olympics, he won my heart and I know he will win the heart of every person that watches this film. Old or young, Eddie The Eagle is something for everyone!
WATCH THE TRAILER HERE:
