Film & TV

Film Review: Eddie the Eagle

The true story of Eddie Edwards, an unusual young man who wanted to compete at the Winter Olympic Games despite not having many athletic skills.

“I think a little bit of wee just came out!” are the first gleeful words uttered by Eddie Edwards after successfully completing the 70 metre jump for the first time in the film Eddie the Eagle.

Eddie the Eagle is based on the true story of Eddie Edwards, an unusual young man who wants to compete at the Winter Olympic Games. Despite not having many athletic skills (without breaking his glasses), his childhood was one track and field flop after the other.

After seeing a downhill skiing poster and being convinced that jumping is his calling, he discovers an oversight in the GB Olympic team rules. Since no one else is representing Great Britain as a ski jumper, all he needs to do is meet the minimum qualifications and they’ll have to accept him.

The plot follows Eddie from his home in England to a Bavarian training camp and then to Calgary. Befriending a former champion jumper, now an alcoholic, he chases his dream to become the English ski jumping Olympic champion.

Eddie the Eagle is the ultimate feel good film. It has everything – comedy, pathos and lots and lots of heart. There is nothing not to like about this film.

Taron Egerton and Hugh Jackman are perfect as Eddie and his mentor Bronson Peary. Their odd mentor/skier relationship develops gradually and forms the core of the film. Their comic timing is impeccable and Eddie’s training scenes with Bronson are highlights. As an added bonus Taron bears an uncanny resemblance to the real “Eddie the Eagle” Edwards.

The rest of the cast complement Egerton and Edwards. Eddie’s parents Janette (Jo Hartley) and Terry (Keith Allen) are the antithesis of each other until they are united by Eddie’s success. His mother wants him to do anything he wants to fulfil his dream and his father wants him to be a plasterer. Their secondary storyline brings real humanity to the film.

A guest role by Tim McInnery completes the main cast. As a main official of the British Olympic team he provides comic relief while being the villain of the piece.

Add to polished performances the beautiful cinematography and a score reminiscent of Chariots of Fire and you have an amazing film.

I am not ashamed to add that I teared up at the ending (but then I am a sucker for these sort of endings).

If you like to leave the theatre feeling on top of the world and that you can do anything, go and see Eddie the Eagle!

Reviewed by Barry Hill
Twitter: @kinesguy

Rating out of 10:  10

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