Tuesday, August 9, 2016

EDDIE THE EAGLE: AN EAGLE SOARS




I’m a sucker for an underdog story. Movies like ROCKY always get to me. I find myself cheering along the hero of the film in the hopes that they will achieve their dream, that they will win, that they will become larger than life. EDDIE THE EAGLE is that type of film. Based on a true story it’s not about what ski jumper Eddie Edwards achieved but more about the journey he had to get there.

As a young boy Eddie Edwards dreamed of being in the Olympics. Saddled with physical issues he fails to succeed at track and field events. This leads him to attempt something else, downhill skiing. He develops into a good skier but snobbish representatives of for Great Britain look down on his social status and don’t allow him a spot on the team. Determined to enter the Olympics one way or another he sets his sights on a different goal, that of ski jumper.

This should make things easier as Great Britain doesn’t have a team in this event. Except for the fact that Eddie has never ski jumped before. Ever. But through his determination he finds his way to a training facility in Germany and starts off on the smaller jumps. Ridiculed by the other Olympic jumpers he gets help from a woman who owns the restaurant near the hill. She allows him to stay there, to work for her and then guides him to someone who could help him achieve his goals. Except that the man wants nothing to do with the idea.

Bronson Peary (Hugh Jackman) was once one of the top jumpers on the American team when he was in his 20s. A disagreement with his mentor/coach Warren Sharp (Christopher Walken) led to his leaving the team as well as his Olympic dreams behind. Resentful, disheartened and unlikeable Peary now runs the jumps and grooms the snow on the slopes. Determined to get his help Eddie continues to pressure him threatening to jump without his guidance which he does. Seeing his determination, his spirit and how the other jumpers try and humiliate him, Peary finally agrees.

 Eddie gets better and is about to be added to Great Britain’s list of attendees until the same snooty team official who ousted him early on has them change the rules for him to qualify. Unwilling to bend or play by their rules Edwards and Peary enter another competition for him to qualify. While on the verge of not making it he eventually finds himself qualified and off to the Olympics.

If you know the results of what happened it won’t make a difference. If you don’t I won’t tell you here. For Eddie Edwards his goal was to simply be a part of something larger than himself, a childhood dream of being in the Olympics and representing not only his country but himself as well. His enthusiasm, his determination and his passion are what make his character so loveable and inspiring. His story is one that all should hear and see.

The movie is exceptionally well made with breathtaking cinematography that puts you right in the shoes of Eddie as he jumps. The acting is amazing with a nearly unrecognizable Taron Egerton as Eddie. He looks nothing like he did in KINGSMAN: THE SECRET SERVICE from 2 years ago. He breathes life into Eddie here rather than make him a cardboard cutout of a man. Jackman takes on the role of sideman here instead of grabbing the spotlight and in so doing displays what a terrific actor he is in the process. At a point in his career where he can take the lead role easily he shows what a true supporting actor can accomplish.


The story of Eddie Edwards is an inspiration. I defy anyone to put this movie into their DVD player and not find themselves cheering him on by the films end. Win, lose or draw when the final competition arrives (I told you I wouldn’t reveal the ending) doesn’t matter. His story of finding a place for himself in the history books about the Olympics is more than enough. The movie entertains, enlightens and leaves you with a smile on your face. Overlooked when it arrived in theaters now is the chance for this film to be discovered. It deserves that.

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